Catholic Charm Bracelet, Sacred Heart, Good Shepherd Natural African Turquoise Rosary Bracelet

This is a beautiful Catholic Charm bracelet. It has three charms, one honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus, one honors Jesus, The Good Shepherd, and one is a crucifix. Complimenting these silver colored charms are 6 12mm natural African Turquoise beads. African turquoise is actually a type of Jasper found in Africa. It's appearance is so close to the appearance of turquoise that it is referred to as African Turquoise. Although there are only 6 beads on it, it is possible to use this bracelet as a rosary bracelet. Use the first 5 beads twice to complete a decade and then use the 6th bead as the Our Father bead. Also, because it has 6 beads, it can easily be used as a Three Hail Mary chaplet.   Please click here to learn more about this bracelet.  Please visit my shop, The Rosary Works, to see more of my rosary bracelets.

Our Lady of Lourdes Rosary Holy Water Aqua Black Unbreakable Wire Wrapped

The Ave beads in this rosary are 8mm faceted aqua agate. These beads look aqua in some light and green in other light. They have black inclusions which contrasts nicely with the aqua-green color. The Pater beads are 10mm black onyx with 3mm black onyx beads at either end.

The center honors our Lady of Lourdes and St Bernadette. It has a vial of holy water from Lourdes on the back. The Trinity crucifix is highly symbolic. It shows the Trinity and the direct connection between the Trinity, Our Lord's crucifixion and the Eucharist. There is an angel on the end of the left arm of the cross and Our Blessed Mother on the end of the right arm of the cross. This rosary is a substantial rosary and nice weight to it. It would make a wonderful gift or would be great to keep for yourself!  Please click here to learn more about this rosary and please visit my shop, The Rosary Works to see more of my unbreakable, wire wrapped rosaries.

St Therese Relic Rosary Blue with Pink Roses

 The Hail Mary beads in this beautiful rosary are 8mm faceted Denim Lapis Lazuli. These multi-facted beads sparkle and dance in the light. The variegated blue beads range from very light blue to extremely dark blue. The Our Father beads are 12mm white porcelain with big, splashy pink roses on them. The roses are accented by a tiny blue flower which ties them in nicely with the blue Hail Mary beads.

The silver colored center honors St Therese, often called "The Little Flower".   Because of this, the center shows her surrounded by the petals of a rose which is the flower most commonly associated with her. The reverse side of the center has a relic from St Therese's coffin. Surrounding the relic are the words "Earth. St Therese's Coffin 1910". The crucifix is also made from silver colored metal. While I absolutely guarantee the construction of this rosary, I can not guarantee the beads because I didn't make them. Because of the size and weight of the beads, this is a nice substantial rosary with a good weight and length it. This rosary would make a wonderful gift or would be great to keep for yourself.  Please click here to learn more about this rosary  and please visit my shop: The Rosary Works to see more of my unbreakable rosaries and rosary bracelets.

Vintage Style Rosary Miraculous Medal Solid Bronze Autumn Colors

This isn't your grandmother's rosary, but it sure looks like it could be! This vintage style rosary was created with 20 gauge solid bronze wire that I antiqued. The floral center honors Our Lady of Grace and is solid bronze. The solid bronze crucifix has an intricate floral motif and is reminiscent of an icon. Both the center and the crucifix are exact replicas of vintage pieces from France. The Ave beads are 6mm autumn jasper also known as pink jasper. These beads have a "pink" color to them although the pink is closer to a salmon color. They also have a dark sage green color mixed in with the pink. The Pater beads are 14mm x 15mm puffy hearts beads that are antiqued gold. I've added 3mm pink crystal spacers to give the rosary a little sparkle. All of these components work together to give the feeling of a very old rosary.  Please click here to learn more about this rosary and please visit my shop, The Rosary Works, to see more of my wire wrapped, unbreakable rosaries.

Sacred Heart Rosary Beads Aqua Blue Floral Wire Wrapped Unbreakable

The Ave beads in this pretty rosary are 6mm aqua fire polished beads from Czechoslovakia. They are a pale aqua color with facets that sparkle and dance in the light. Each of these beads has a 3mm silver plated bead cap at either end. The Pater beads are 9mm x 13mm handmade lampwork beads. These beautiful beads have light blue flowers with green vines on a dark aqua background in the center of the beads. The center is encased in clear crystal which magnifies the flowers. Because these beads are handmade, no two beads are exactly the same. Some are a little larger than the others and some are a little smaller. This adds to the charm and beauty of the rosary. The Pater beads are accented with Tibetan Silver spacers.

The center honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus and it has a reverse carved image of Our Lady of Carmel on the back. The back is also stamped "Chapel" and "Italy" in block letters. The intricate crucifix is a Pardon Crucifix. The Pardon Crucifix is also known as the Indulgence Crucifix. Originally, Pope Pius X granted indulgences to anyone who prayed with the crucifix or who kissed the crucifix. The back of the crucifix says: "Father Forgive Them" and "Behold This Heart Which Has So Loved Men." Both center and the crucifix are composed of silver colored metal. The wire is copper wire with fine silver plated onto it.  Please click here to learn more about this rosary and please visit my shop, The Rosary Works, to see more of my wire wrapped, unbreakable rosaries

Miraculous Medal Rosary Beads Green Pink Roses Unbreakable Wire Wrapped

The Ave beads in this rosary are 8mm bohemian beads from Czechoslovakia. These beads are a light sage green with a silver luster coating. The luster coating gives the beads extra sparkle and shine. Each of these beads has a 3mm silver plated bead caps at either end. The Pater beads are 12mm round porcelain beads with dark pink splashy flowers on them. The flowers look like roses or peonies. The ornate center is a Miraculous Medal and which is complimented by the ornate Fleur-de-lis crucifix. The crucifix is stamped "Italy" on the back. Both the center and the crucifix are silver colored metal. This rosary would make a wonderful gift. It would also be great to keep for yourself. Please click here to learn more about this rosary.   Please visit my shop, The Rosary Works, to see more of my wire wrapped, unbreakable rosaries.

Mysteries of the Rosary Beads Pink Roses Handmade Lampwork Indulgence Crucifix Miraculous Medal

The Ave beads in this rosary are pale pink 5.5mm Bohemian picasso beads. These beads from Czechoslovakia have a delicate pink picasso coating over a white bead. The 12mm handmade lampwork Pater beads are the perfect compliment to the Ave beads. They feature a black background with pink roses and green leaves encased in clear crystal. The Miraculous Medal center opens up to reveal the Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries and the Glorious Mysteries of the rosary and the days on which they should be prayed. The are printed in very small print so you may need a magnifying glass to read them. The center can also be "closed" so that the Mysteries can not be easily seen. The Indulgence crucifix has the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the reverse side along with the statement: "Behold this heart which has so loved men. Father Forgive Them"  Please click here to learn more about this rosary.   Please visit my shop, The Rosary Works, to see more of my wire wrapped, unbreakable rosaries.

The Feast of The Assumption

Below is a sermon given by one of the cloistered Dominican Nuns at their Monastery in Lufkin.  It was published on their Blog, Dominican Life on Lotus Lane, which is where I found it.   The sermon was given on the Eve of the Feast of the Assumption on Friday March 24, 2017, which is the night before the Feast of the Assumption.   The sermon was given by one of the novices, Sister Mary Therese.    Most of the sermon is geared to women who are considering a religions vocation or who already have a religious vocation   However, as a woman who feels called to pray while remaining in a secular lifestyle, I found it deeply inspiring .   I think the words of Sister Mary Therese can be helpful to all women who feel called to serve the Lord regardless of how that works out in their lives.   For this reason, I wanted to share it with you all.

Solemn Chapter: Annunciation 2017

 

Year ago, God called a woman to serve Him in a special way. He chose an ordinary woman to undertake an extraordinary vocation, to be in a special relationship with Him and to help bring Christ into the world. This woman was you. This woman was me. This woman was all of us whom God has called to a religious vocation. The Virgin Mary was the first and most perfect woman He called to this special role, and even though our vocation is not quite the unique one that hers was, we can all look to her for inspiration and guidance on how to live the vocation to which God has called us.
The Annunciation begins when “the angel Gabriel was sent from God … to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph.” From this, we learn that God has already prepared Mary for this extraordinary calling. She doesn’t have any other duties or family that will interfere with her role as the Savior’s mother, but she’s also not alone. God has already given her Joseph, who will take care of and protect her and Jesus when they need him. In the same way, when someone receives a call to a religious vocation, she often realizes, in retrospect, how God has planned things in her life to allow her to accept the call. Things given, or even denied, have helped to prepare her to be in a position in life in which accepting the call is made easier. God is always watching over us and guiding us towards what He knows is best for us. As it says in Jeremiah, “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you…plans for your welfare, not for woe; plans to give you a future full of hope.”

The angel Gabriel’s first words to Mary are, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Mary is called because she is precious to God. The call itself might be sudden, but God has always been with her, and she can find comfort in His presence. In a similar way, when a woman is called to the religious life, she feels a very special presence of God in her life, a presence that makes her feel that she is a favorite of God and is being especially chosen to be with Him

But Mary’s reaction is one of fear and confusion: “But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” Even though Mary knows and trusts God, she is still understandably distressed by the angel’s words. Not only is this message unexpected, but Mary has a strong reverence for the power and majesty of God and therefore understands the magnitude of what it means to be favored and called by God. A call to any vocation often causes fear and uncertainty. The one called may be scared of the unknown or of the crosses to be encountered in the vocation. This fear is natural, and is a sign that they are taking the call and everything it includes seriously.

The angel Gabriel assures her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Mary is assured that being chosen by God is a good thing. Being favored by God is a great honor, and she should not be afraid because God will continue to favor her throughout her vocation. In the same way, women who are called to the religious life can continue to find comfort in God throughout the trials of their vocation.

Gabriel then tells her specifically what she is being called to do: “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.” The Annunciation is the beginning of Jesus’ mission on earth, and Mary has the special role not just of physically bringing Him into the world but also of taking care of Him and supporting Him in His mission. Christ comes to us through Mary. In a similar way, all religious women are called to bring Christ into the world in a special way, through our example, through our embracing of the truth of Christ, and through our charity for others, all of which come from God.

Mary is still understandably confused by this declaration, and asks, “How can this be?” Mary knows her own situation and abilities, and doesn’t understand how she, a mere girl, can help God in this amazing way. She trusts God, and she knows that she needs His guidance and help. A normal reaction to any awareness of a calling is to question whether we are understanding it correctly, whether God is really calling us in all our imperfections and deficiencies to such a special vocation. We trust God, but we question our own ability and worthiness to serve Him.

The angel Gabriel then assures her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” Mary is called to do an extraordinary, even seemingly impossible thing, but she will be able to do it because God will help her. Through the Holy Spirit, God will give her the grace, ability, and strength to do what He is calling her to do. And God still uses the Holy Spirit to give us all of the graces and talents we need to serve Him in whatever He calls us to do. When we follow a call, we don’t act with our own power, but with God’s. God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called

Gabriel then gives Mary a sign by which she can be assured of the truth of her calling: “Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age.” Mary has faith in God, but a sign is also helpful in confirming a calling. And it will be helpful for Mary to be with someone who is experiencing a similar miraculous experience. When God calls someone to a vocation, He often guides them towards someone who will be supportive and help them in discerning and embarking upon their new life. God gives us other people to help and support us in our vocation.

Finally, the angel Gabriel assures Mary, “Nothing will be impossible for God.” God is doing this extraordinary thing, not Mary. She doesn’t have to rely on herself or her own talents to be the mother of God. She just has to trust and allow God to work in her life. Trust is one of the most important things that anyone can do for God, particularly when being called to an extraordinary vocation. There are so many unknowns and so many struggles that the call cannot be answered without putting ourselves in God’s hands, trusting that He will take care of us and be everything that we need in order to do what He asks of us.

Mary responds, “I am the handmaid of the Lord.” In accepting her calling, Mary recognizes that she is the servant of God. She is not being called to do what she wants under her own power, but her vocation is to serve and help God in whatever He needs her to do. Women religious are chosen to be special servants of God and to serve Him in a way no one else can. We respond to the call by giving ourselves completely to God in whatever He needs of us.

In Mary’s final acceptance of the Annunciation call, she declares, “May it be done to me according to your word.” With these words, Mary completely accepts her vocation. She responds to God by making herself completely open to everything that He wants from her and everything that she will experience as part of her calling. The perfect response to a call from God to any vocation is to accept whatever God wants us for, without conditions or holding anything back
 
In our call to the religious life, we are all called to imitate Mary, beginning with how we respond to the call itself. Initially there might be fear and confusion, but we need to trust that God will be with us and will give us the grace and talents we need to do what He is asking us to do. So just like Mary, we need to accept completely and readily our vocation and all of the crosses and joys that come with it, and always keep our mind and heart with God as we live the life of a religious. Maybe that’s why so many of us have taken “Mary” as our religious name: not only are we calling upon her to help and guide us in a special way, but we are also embracing our roles as new Marys in our response to this special relationship with Jesus Christ.

Miraculous Medal Rosary Beads Rhodochrosite Sterling Silver Flower Floral Wire Wrapped

The Ave beads in this rosary are bright pink 6mm rhodochrosite beads. These beads are bright pink with black and tan inclusions. These inclusions are a natural part of the stone. The Pater beads are beautiful 10mm by 11mm handmade sterling silver beads from Bali. The intricate detail on these beads shows flowers intertwined with vines. The floral Miraculous Medal center is made of sterling silver. It is an exact replica of a vintage Art Nouveau rosary center. It features flowers, again, entwined with leaves and vines. It echos the sterling silver Pater beads. In keeping with the floral motif of the rosary is the sterling silver crucifix. Like the center, it is an exact replica of an antique crucifix from France.  Please click here to learn more about this rosary and please visit my shop, The Rosary Works, to see more of my wire wrapped rosaries and rosary bracelets.

Sacred Heart Rosary Beads for Men in Matte Tiger Eye and Onyx Solid Brass

The Hail Mary beads in this striking rosary are 8mm matte tiger eye. I like these beads more than regular tiger eye because they show all the iridescence of regular tiger eye. They also show all the subtle variations of color that are not always visible in regular tiger eye. The 12mm matte onyx Our Father beads provider a nice contrast to the tiger eye. The Sacred Heart center also known as a Scapular center is solid brass as is the ornate crucifix. The bead caps and wire are also solid brass.  Please click here  to learn more about this rosary and please visit my shop, The Rosary Works to see more of my wire wrapped, unbreakable rosaries. Posted by The Rosary Works

Sacred Heart Rosary Beads Aquamarine Pale Blue Sterling Silver Bali Beads

The show stealers in this gorgeous rosary are the Avé beads. These beads are 7mm natural AA grade aquamarine. They are top quality stones and have the beautiful pale blue color that aquamarine is known for. Many of the beads have an inner iridescence or fire. Most of the stones are translucent with a nice milky quality.

Complimenting the aquamarine beads are the 11mm sterling silver Pater beads. These intricate beads are hand made in Bali and the give the rosary a vintage style appearance. The Sacred Heart center and the stunning crucifix with 2 angels are sterling silver. Both are exact replicas of museum pieces. This adds to the vintage style of the rosary. There is a beautiful image our Our Lady of Mt Carmel on the reverse of the center. Please click here to learn more about this rosary and please visit my shop, The Rosary Works to see more of my wire wrapped, unbreakable rosaries.

Our Lady of Lourdes Holy Water Rosary Wire Wrapped Unbreakable

The Ave beads in this rosary are 8mm bohemian beads from Czechoslovakia. These beads are a deep teal or aqua color with a vitrial coating. The vitrial coating gives the beads extra sparkle and shine. Each of these beads has a 3mm silver plated bead caps at either end. The Pater beads are 12.5mm puffy heart shaped beads. These beads have an intricate filigree heart motif. The center honors Our Lady of Lourdes and St Bernadette and contains holy water from the shrine at Lourdes, France. The finely detailed crucifix is highly symbolic. It symbolizes the Holy Trinity, the Passion of Our Lord, and the Eucharist. It also honors Our Blessed Mother.  Please click here to learn more about this rosary and please visit my shop, The Rosary Works, to see more of my unbreakable, wire wrapped rosaries.

Miraculous Medal Rosary Purple Indigo Bohemian Glass Wire Wrapped Unbreakable

The Ave beads in this rosary are 8mm bohemian luster beads from Czechoslovakia. Depending on the light, the color in these beads ranges from amethyst purple to deep indigo. They all have a luster coating which adds a metallic rose color to the surface of the beads. The beads sparkle and shine in the light. They are accented by 3mm silver plated bead caps on either end. Complimenting these beads are the 8mm by 10mm handmade purple wedding cake beads. These beads appear black in the photo, but in reality, they are a deep transparent purple color. The intricate Miraculous Medal center features Our Lady of Grace. The finely detailed crucifix is deeply symbolic. It honors the Our Lord, the Holy Trinity, Our Blessed Mother and the Eucharist. Both the center and crucifix are silver colored metal. This rosary would make a wonderful gift. It would also be great to keep for yourself.   Please click here to learn more about this rosary and please visit my shop, The Rosary Works to see more of my wire wrapped rosaries.