#USA #Exton #Ascension Press #Rosary in a Year #Catholic Media

Ascension's 'Rosary in a Year' at the Top of Apple Podcasts

Introduction
Ascension Press, a recognized name in Catholic media, has achieved another milestone with its latest podcast, 'The Rosary in a Year'. This podcast not only debuted impressively but has claimed the number one spot across all categories on Apple Podcasts, notably surpassing popular shows such as The Joe Rogan Experience, Dateline, and The Daily. This achievement marks the third podcast from Ascension to hit the top position since 2021, following the success of The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) and The Catechism in a Year.

Podcast Overview
Launched on December 30, 2024, The Rosary in a Year, hosted by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, is designed to guide listeners through a year-long exploration of the powerful prayers of the Catholic rosary. This podcast builds on the legacy of its predecessors by providing a structured format for deep prayer and reflection. With its engaging content and spiritual depth, it quickly rose to become the leading podcast in the Religion & Spirituality category.

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, notable for his engaging presence on the Ascension Presents YouTube channel, stated, “The world offers so much, but we want God.” This line resonates deeply, echoing the sentiments of crowds who called upon Pope John Paul II during his iconic visit to Poland in 1979—underscoring a collective spiritual yearning that has found new expression through these podcasts.

Cultural Impact
The success of The Rosary in a Year reflects a broader cultural trend: a renewed interest in spiritual practices and a desire for deeper meaning in life. Jonathan Strate, President and CEO of Ascension, emphasized this point, attributing the podcast's success to the hard work of the Ascension team in leveraging digital media to reshape engagement with Catholic content.

As illustrated by previous successes, The Bible in a Year has held the title of the most successful Catholic podcast. It was recognized as the fifth most-shared show on Apple Podcasts in 2024 within all categories. Furthermore, podcasts from Ascension collectively held the top position in the Religion & Spirituality charts for an impressive total of 38 days.

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames - The Host
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames is known for his dynamic presence in Catholic media, where he has also authored two bestselling books for Ascension. His renowned videos and deep dedication to prayer enrich the podcast's content as he accompanies listeners on their spiritual journey. Inspired by the enthusiastic response to his original YouTube concept, Fr. Mark-Mary is excited to share this year-long prayer experience. The podcast also comes with a companion book and additional resources for individuals and communities to enhance their spiritual growth.

The Rosary in a Year - A Path to Prayer
Listeners will embark on a structured, daily journey through the rosary, allowing them to connect with their faith more meaningfully throughout the year. Each episode is designed to help deepen their understanding of the prayers while encouraging regular practice and reflection.

Ascension Press continues to play a crucial role in spiritual development within the Catholic community by offering innovative multimedia resources that foster engagement. In collaboration with the Catholic Bishops of India, they have even introduced a version of The Bible in a Year in Malayalam, demonstrating their commitment to making spiritual content accessible worldwide.

Conclusion
As The Rosary in a Year continues to gain traction, it is poised not only to hold its number one position but also to foster a deeper connection among millions of listeners seeking a pathway to spirituality amidst the noise of contemporary life. Ascension's success story is a testament to the ongoing need for spiritual nourishment in today's world, as they lead the charge in digital faith formation.