The Ave beads in this rosary are small 6mm African turquoise beads. While African turquoise is the common name for this stone, it isn't actually turquoise. It is a form of jasper that is mined in Africa. Because its teal color and black matrix is so similar to turquoise it is referred to as turquoise and is used as a turquoise substitute. Also, these beautiful little beads measure 6mm, but they are on the small side. The result is a dainty rosary that has a nice light feel to it. The Pater beads are 8mm black onyx flanked by 4mm black onyx. The center and the crucifix are both silver colored metal. Please click here to learn more about this rosary and please visit my shop, HolyNameRosaries.com to see more of my unbreakable, wire wrapped rosaries.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha is the first Native American to be beatified. She was born in 1656. As young girl, she contracted small pox and her face was terribly disfigured by the disease. She converted to Catholicism as a young woman and because of this she was shunned by her tribe. She suffered greatly because of her faith. She was devoted to the Eucharist and cared for the sick and elderly. Like St. Therese, she died at the tender age of 24. After she died, the terrible scars from the small pox disappeared leaving her skin smooth and unmarred. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980 and she will be canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on Oct 21, 2012. She is the patron of the environment and ecology.
