Mary knows the needs of our hearts.

This beautiful handmade rosary is made with 6 mm Garnet Crystal beads on a nickel silver chain. Total length is about 19 inches and the inner length is about 13 1/2 inches. The centerpiece has an image of Mary on the front and the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the back. A 1 1/2 inch metal crucifix completes the rosary. The rosary comes in a gift box and is a great gift idea for Confirmation.

The rosary is a reflective prayer through which we entrust our needs to the Blessed Mother with loving confidence in her care. Like a tender Mother, Mary brings us closer to Jesus, guides us in our life journey and protects us from danger. The Church encourages us to pray the rosary because it honors Mary, our Mother and gives us the opportunity to consider the redemption and salvation which Jesus Christ obtained for us. Many graces are obtained by praying the rosary. Over the centuries countless saints have prayed it over the centuries to obtain renewed fervor and the grace to live as faithful followers of Christ.

The rosary combines vocal and mental prayer. We pray an Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be while reflecting on the lives of Jesus and Mary as depicted in the Joyful, Sorrowful, Luminous, or Glorious Mysteries. Through these reflections, we ponder the various episodes of their lives and come to know Mary and Jesus better. The rosary may be prayed individually, as a family or group and for any desired intention. Pamphlets, books or CDs are available to help enrich our praying of the rosary.

These rosaries are lovingly handcrafted by Sister Mary Timothy, FSP who prays fervently for all those who will use them. The variety of beads, colors, crucifixes and center pieces provides for a wide range of rosaries that can be given as gifts for First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, and other occasions.

About the Rosary-Maker

What started as a hobby for 79 year old Sister Mary Timothy Conigilio has blossomed into a full time ministry. While stationed as a senior sister (never use the word "retired" around Sister Timothy) in the community's Honolulu convent, she found herself with some extra time on her hands so she started to make rosaries. "I didn't take any lessons or learn from anyone else," she explains. "I am entirely self-taught."

At first, she gave the rosaries as gifts to family, friends and for the sisters to take with them as they made their mission trips. It didn't take long for the word to get out and soon she was taking orders so the sisters could sell the beautiful rosaries not only in their Honolulu center but in New Orleans and Los Angeles, as well.

Recently she started making them full time-making 6 or 7 on a "slow day" and up to 10 on a "really good day." The bed in her bedroom is her work station. So now all the Pauline Books & Media centers plus our web store carry them.

Sister Timothy's own favorite colors are the blues and teal but the demand for first communion rosaries keeps her busy with the white, ivory, black and crystal beads. And the ruby beads are a Confirmation best seller.

But the best part about buying one of her rosaries or receiving one as a gift is that she prays for the recipient of every rosary she makes. As Sister Timothy emphasizes, "After the Holy Mass, the rosary is the most powerful prayer. We aren't just repeating prayers but are meditating on the life of Jesus and Mary. Especially with wars and disasters all around us, let us ask the Blessed Mother to give our world peace and serenity."

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