Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

A new podcast, "The Rosary in a Year," aims to foster a deeper connection with the Marian devotion. Hosted by Father Mark-Mary Ames, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, the podcast will launch on January 1, 2025. It is produced by Ascension, a Catholic multimedia network.

Father Mark-Mary expressed his hopes for the podcast during a virtual press conference on October 28. "I hope people fall in love," he stated. He wishes listeners to see the rosary as "a privileged door for encounter with Our Lord and Our Lady."

The daily episodes will be available on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts, each lasting between 10 to 15 minutes. They will include guidance, prayer prompts, and prayers of the rosary. The initiative seeks to accommodate both regular practitioners and newcomers to the rosary.

"I believe that our journey for 'The Rosary in a Year' is going to be learning how to — and actually being accompanied in — praying with the truths of our faith," Father Mark-Mary said.

Listeners can sign up online at Ascension's website for additional resources like "The Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide" and other materials related to prayer practices.

This podcast is part of Ascension’s series following successful releases such as "The Bible in a Year." Father Mike Schmitz, known for hosting previous podcasts, will join Father Mark-Mary in bonus episodes.

Father Mark-Mary shared personal insights into his relationship with the rosary during his youth. He recalled an experience from college where defending his faith reignited his belief: “It’s like I believe and it needs to affect my whole life.”

He prays the rosary daily now and hopes this new podcast serves as a valuable resource for others seeking spiritual growth through prayer.

For those interested in getting started early, an introductory episode is already available. In it, Father Mark-Mary encourages focusing on prayer amid challenging times: “Let’s go to the Lord...let’s focus on him...let’s remember that we have a mother who loves us.”