Dawn here. I thought I would share how my journey into creating rosary beads began.It all started during one of the most challenging times in my life—when my husband, Vance, was gravely ill and taking his “nap”. While in the midst of it all, we were surrounded by an overwhelming wave of love and support. Friends, family, and even acquaintances sent positive energy, offered prayers, and provided comfort in ways I never expected. One of Vance's coworkers started a prayer chain at her church, and what truly moved me was seeing a non-religious coworker join in as well. This collective outpouring of prayer and goodwill inspired me to deepen my own personal practice.
I found solace in saying prayers and listening to meditations, but I felt an inexplicable pull to do more. That’s when I discovered the rosary. Since I didn’t own a set of rosary beads, I turned to YouTube, where I found a daily rosary recitation by The Catholic Faith Channel. I started listening daily, about a month into Vance’s situation. It became a comforting ritual, one that I carried on for nearly nine months, even after Vance had come home and life had returned to its busy rhythm.
However, as time passed, I gradually drifted away from my daily rosary practice. It wasn’t until one fateful day at work that I was reminded of its significance. Our workplace wellness wagon, which came around weekly with snacks, herbal teas, and uplifting messages, had something new—a small bracelet with a cross and ten beads. The moment I saw it, I felt an instant connection and asked if I could have it. When I held it in my hands, inspiration struck—I wanted to create my own decade bracelets.
When I got home and began designing a bracelet, something inside me urged me to keep adding beads until I had a full-sized rosary. A decade bracelet contains ten beads representing the ten Hail Marys, separated by one Our Father bead, three additional Hail Mary beads, and another Our Father bead. This structure represents the beginning of the rosary and one section of it. Unlike a larger five-decade rosary, a rosary bracelet is compact and designed to be worn on the wrist, making it easily accessible for prayer and meditation.
Rosary bracelets are ideal for those who may not always have pockets or who prefer to keep their rosary within reach without worrying about tangles. They often feature a
small crucifix and a miraculous medal or a saint medal. The bracelets can be crafted from various materials, including metal chains, memory wire, or fabric cords. Some designs include only one large Our Father bead for the introductory prayers, while others include the traditional three smaller beads before the ten Hail Mary beads.
For me, creating rosaries became more than just a craft—it became a sacred practice, a way to channel my faith and gratitude into something tangible. It allowed me to remain connected to the power of prayer, even as life grew busier. Each bead strung is a reminder of the prayers offered during Vance’s illness and the strength that faith provided me during that time. Now, when I share these rosaries with others, I hope they too can find the same sense of peace, comfort, and divine connection that I did.