EXTON, PA — Ascension, a Catholic media organization, has once again solidified its leadership in the digital faith space with the launch of its latest podcast, The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR). Released as part of its successful “in a Year” series, the podcast has climbed to the #1 spot across all categories on Apple Podcasts, surpassing major titles such as The Joe Rogan Experience, Dateline, and The Daily.
This achievement marks Ascension’s third podcast to top the charts, following the immense popularity of The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)® and The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)®. Together, these initiatives have reshaped the way Catholics and non-Catholics alike engage with faith content in the digital age.
Since its debut, The Rosary in a Year has drawn hundreds of thousands of downloads. Having secured the #1 position in Apple Podcasts’ Religion & Spirituality category since December 30, 2024, the show continues to attract listeners captivated by its prayerful exploration of the Catholic rosary.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, the podcast’s host, is no stranger to the Catholic digital space. Known for his weekly videos on the Ascension Presents YouTube channel, Fr. Mark-Mary has garnered millions of viewers through his accessible yet profound approach to prayer and spirituality. His video teachings, including a Divine Mercy Chaplet prayer with over 7 million views, are among Ascension’s most celebrated offerings.
“The world offers so much, but we want God,” Fr. Mark-Mary reflects. He ties the success of this podcast to a growing hunger for spiritual depth, likening it to the historic cries of millions for God during Pope John Paul II’s visit to Poland in 1979. Through The Rosary in a Year, Fr. Mark-Mary invites listeners to accompany him daily for a full year of intentional reflection and community prayer, paired with the rosary’s timeless meditative practice.
Ascension’s Growing Legacy in Digital Catholic Media
The overwhelming reception of The Rosary in a Year builds upon the foundation laid by The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)®, the most successful Catholic podcast to date. Since its 2021 debut, it has held the #1 spot on Apple Podcasts for a combined 24 days across two years and remains a staple in the Religion & Spirituality category. Ascension’s podcast series continues to grow globally, with translations such as La Biblia en un año and regional adaptations like The Bible in a Year podcast in Malayalam for Indian audiences.
Jonathan Strate, President and CEO of Ascension, highlights the impact of this series on both individual faith journeys and the broader Catholic community. “The success of our podcasts reflects a growing desire in our culture to seek spiritual connection and purpose,” Strate explains. The company’s ability to leverage digital formats has not only reached millions of Catholics worldwide but also invited others to explore the richness of the Catholic tradition.
Expanding Opportunities for Prayer
Ascension’s portfolio includes not only its groundbreaking podcast series but also accompanying resources to deepen the spiritual experience. Companion books, parish tools, and cross-platform content allow individuals and communities alike to integrate these programs into their daily prayer lives.
With The Rosary in a Year topping the digital charts, Ascension continues to expand its influence in Catholic media while fostering meaningful spiritual engagement. Its innovative “in a Year” series represents a modern response to a timeless question—how to draw closer to God amid the many distractions of daily life.
For many listeners, these podcasts offer more than just teachings—they provide a roadmap for spiritual growth and connection. Through its compelling content and dedication to faith formation, Ascension remains at the forefront of leading the Catholic Church into a flourishing digital future.
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