The words of the prayers, for the Holy Rosary, chaplets, and prayer ropes
Index to the words of the prayers, and the order of the traditional prayers
The Jesus Prayer, The Prayer of the Heart, Prayer Ropes, The Jesus Prayer Rosary
Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2667, 2668
Through the Jesus Prayer, “the heart is opened...” “This prayer is possible ‘at all times,’ because it is not one occupation among many, but the only occupation...”
The Jesus Prayer Rosary, by Michael Cleary, SVD, parish priest.
A great little book—highly recommended. Combines praying the Jesus Prayer with sets of meditations. For each meditation, the book provides passages from the New Testament, and thoughtfully selected concluding prayers. The meditations focus on Christ’s life, work, passion and death—and on the transformative experience of our life in Christ, Christ as the Risen One. The book is easy to use, well-written, well-researched, and amply footnoted. The familiar 5-decade set of rosary beads is used.
”The Historical Development of the Orthodox Prayer Rope and Its Importance to Our Spiritual Life”
Dr. Alexander Roman’s excellent and thorough article
”Saying the Jesus Prayer”
Article by Prof. Albert Rossi, of Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary
Succinct history of the Jesus Prayer, The Prayer of the Heart, and Prayer Ropes
On our homepage.
The Holy Rosary, Rosary Prayers, The Mysteries of the Rosary, How to Pray the Holy Rosary
How to Pray the Holy Rosary: the Beads, the Mysteries, and the Prayers
A basic introduction to the beads—the Aves, Paters, and decades; a simple description of the order of the prayers of the rosary; and an introduction to the Mysteries—the Mysteries as the essence of praying the Holy Rosary, what exactly the sets of Mysteries are, and the days dedicated to praying each set of Mysteries.
The history of the Holy Rosary, the history of the Hail Mary prayer On our homepage.
The Catholic Pages Directory A vast resource—dozens of links pertaining to the Holy Rosary: Church documents, information on praying the Holy Rosary, the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, scriptural rosaries, links to books and articles...
Ecumenical Rosaries, Rosaries of other Christian Denominations, Non-Denominational Rosaries, the Protestant Rosary
The Jesus Prayer Rosary Even “those who have always been uncomfortable with any kind of rosary, no matter the amount of special pleading to which they were subjected” appreciate this one, says Michael Cleary. Fr. Cleary’s little book, “The Jesus Prayer Rosary,” has been widely used, in both Roman Catholic and ecumenical settings; it’s suitable for individual or group prayer. With this rosary, praying the Jesus Prayer is combined with sets of meditations; each meditation is drawn from the New Testament, and concludes with a thoughtfully selected prayer. The meditations focus on Christ’s life, work, passion and death—and on the transformative experience of our life in Christ, Christ as the Risen One. The familiar 5-decade set of rosary beads is used.
Protestants and the Rosary: Vain repetition in prayer (Matthew 6:7), and the distinction between honoring Mary and worshipping her, are addressed in a lucid series of posts on Chris Laning’s blog, Paternosters.
The Anglican or Episcopal Rosary
The Episcopal Church developed this rosary in the 1980s. The history, configuration, and a number of beautiful prayers for the Anglican rosary are well-described at this website of The King of Peace Episcopal Church.
Lutheran Rosary, developed by ELCA
These prayers for the Lutheran rosary were originally developed as a devotional for the season of Lent, by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
Lutheran Rosary drawn from the Small Catechism
This series of prayers for the Lutheran rosary was developed in 2005, drawn from the Small Catechism.
An Ecumenical Rosary, “A Rosary for All Christians,” “The Protestant Rosary”
Rosary prayers and chaplets “for all Christians.” Lots of useful information can be found on the question-and-answer page.
”The Ecumenical Miracle Rosary”
Prayers and meditations with a focus on the miracles performed by Jesus, for ecumenical rosary prayer.
The Pearls of Life
Prayer beads intended “for the modern pilgrim, setting out on the most difficult of journeys—the inner one.” This little chaplet was developed by Bishop Emeritus Martin Lonnebo, of the
Chaplets and Chaplet Prayers
What are Chaplets?
The word “chaplet” refers to a set of prayers, and also to the set of beads we may use to help pray those prayers. The Holy Rosary is sometimes called a chaplet—and chaplets are sometimes called rosaries! But, in general, chaplets are smaller sets of beads than the 59-bead rosary—often with only 9 or 10 prayer beads. A description and explanation of several popular types of chaplets, including the Irish Penal Chaplet and the Peace Chaplet is found on our homepage.
Chaplets: The words and the order of the traditional prayers
Index to the words, and the order, of the traditional chaplet prayers
Peace Chaplet Meditations
A beautiful gathering of passages from scripture, together with prayers drawn from the Book of Common Prayer, arranged as meditations to accompany the Peace Chaplet. From fellow rosary-maker, Anne Madison, of Atelier-Beads.
My Treasury of Chaplets, by Patricia S. Quintiliani, includes the prayers and the bead configurations for well over a hundred chaplets, some with photos. The author notes that the book is compiled from approved sources. Introduction by Father Vincent P. Miceli. Published by Ravengate Press.
Study
Prayer Beads
Medieval Prayer Beads
Paternoster Row, a site devoted to historical rosaries and paternoster beads prior to 1600 in
Identifying Chaplets by Bead Configuration
Useful tables for research. Search chaplets by the name of the Patron Saint, the name of the devotion, or the number/configuration of beads.
Rosary Workshop
In the museum area of this site, you’ll find photos of antique rosaries—many in configurations not often seen today; and lots of photos of old works of art that show folks holding (and wearing) rosaries, chaplets, and paternosters.
Sacramentals
The How-To Book of Sacramentals, by Ann Ball. Covers all kinds of sacramentals! -- including gestures like the sign of the cross, Holy Water, sacramental oil for blessings, special foods, icons and artwork, garments, herbs... and chaplets and rosaries, of course. Introductions by Most Rev. J. Michael Miller, C.S.B., Titular Archbishop of Vertara, Secretary of Catholic Education, and by Rev. Anselm Walker, St. Basil’s Byzantine Catholic Center, Houston, Texas. Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division.
Symbolism
Signs and Symbols in Christian Art, by George Ferguson, is a wonderful book about what the symbols in our artwork signify. Some symbols we knew—the olive, the rainbow—but others were new to us—the peach! the lark! There is a valuable section describing symbols associated with Old Testament figures, and another on the lives of Saints, explaining the symbols associated with each. Published by
Church Symbolism, by F. R. Webber and Ralph Adams Cram. This is a fascinating book, engagingly written. The most complete book we’ve found on the subject. Very clear, well-drawn illustrations. Excellent index. From Kessinger Publishing’s Rare Reprints (reprinted from the 1938 edition published by J. H. Jansen).
Scripture
Scripture Study, Hebrew and Christian Scriptures
One of the best sites for browsing; this is the homepage of Paul Couture, SSE: “Basic Sites for Scripture Study.” Father Couture has selected, organized and annotated a marvelous collection of links, for study and for prayer. In the area that mainly pertains to study, there’s an entire section on Mary and the Bible, another of Women and the Bible... a section on ancient cultures, including an interesting link on women in ancient Rome... a really superb section on the Gospels and the Dead Sea Scrolls... and a valuable section on Jewish-Christian relations.
The area of the site devoted to prayer and meditation offers dozens of useful links, including a link on praying the Bible... and a link to the
The Catholic Church
The website of the Vatican, the Holy See
Just about everything you could possibly need: archives, resource library, publishing house, liturgical calendar, Catechism of the Catholic Church, documents of Vatican II, Code of Canon Law, info about the Saints... even info about the Vatican museums.
On-line Catechism of the Catholic Church
(from the
Sacred Art, Symbols of Faith
Icons
Brother Robert Lentz writes some of the most powerful and beautiful contemporary icons we’ve seen. He’s a Franciscan Friar, a member of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and belongs to the Byzantine Rite. His work is handled by Trinity Stores, where you can see dozens of his icons, organized by theme. (On the left side of their homepage, in their “View Our Art Galleries” area, click “Our Artists.” Then, in the center of the page, click on “Br. Robert Lentz, ofm.”)
Contemporary Sacred Art
American sculptor David Kocka has created a bronze cross based on a calligraphic ink wash by Thomas Merton. The Merton Celtic Cross is available through The Merton Institute for Contemplative Living.
The work of the artists at the Abbey of Maria Laach, Engino Weinert, the Community of the Sisters of Bethlehem, and Butzon and Merker—among others—can be found at Creator Mundi, and at the Rosary Workshop. These include attractive holy water fonts, statues and plaques, and church supplies...
Catholic Associations
The Confraternity of Penitents is a lay Catholic association, whose members—men and women, both married and single—live a Rule of Life in their own homes. It’s an international association, under the wing of the Diocese of Providence, RI. The website offers detailed information about their Rule of Life, the Rule of 1221, as well as blessings, stories of saints, prolife ministries, and a gift shop.
Monastery Shops
Does fudge belong here? ...Is there anyplace fudge does not belong?
This fudge is made by the Trappist monks at the Abbey of Gethsemani in central
Other Rosary Makers
We have not met the people at the Rosary Workshop, but we have learned a great deal from them—most importantly, about how rosary makers should relate to one another. Margot Carter-Blair of the Rosary Workshop writes,
“We believe that rosary makers should not be in competition with one another in any way, as we are each called into this ministry by powers greater. We are all working for the same God and the same Goal, to eventually bring Peace into this world.”
We thank Margot and everyone at the Rosary Workshop for being a source of information, inspiration and wisdom for the rest of us.
The Rosary Workshop offers hundreds of gloriously beautiful, artistic rosaries—incorporating vintage and antique beads, and unusual contemporary beads. Their rosaries are strung on Soft Flex jewelers’ cable, and are quite durable—“heirloom quality.”
Adoration of the Lamb: Pretty handmade rosaries, featuring crystals and pearls; Karen will custom-design a rosary to your specifications...
Atelier-Beads: Anglican and Catholic prayer beads, many of natural materials. Men’s rosary bracelets...
Clay Rosaries by Sarah: Charming rosaries, perfect for children. Sarah hand-forms each bead, and each one has a little image: Madonna, dove, candles, rose, butterfly, the Eucharist.. First communion and confirmation bracelets, too.
Custom Rosaries: Design your own Catholic rosary—select the beads, crucifix, and center, and Custom Rosaries will make it for you.
Handmaid for the Lord: Cute rosary bracelets for little girls. Design-your-own charm bracelets...
Jim’s Rosary Workshop: Handsome rosaries, at reasonable prices. Jim has 30+ years of experience as a rosary maker. Dozens of rosaries, each one-of-a-kind: stone and glass, chained and strung...
Keepsake Rosaries: Petals of your own special-occasion flowers are dried, made into beads, then made into keepsake rosaries, chaplets or bracelets.
Magnificat Rosaries: Handmade-to-order, sterling rosaries with gemstones, lampwork, cloisonné... A delightful Easter chaplet of colorful cloisonné eggs! ...
Meinssen Handmade Rosaries offers truly beautiful handmade chained rosaries—“crafted in the classic style”...
Mirocoli Rosaries: (rhymes with broccoli!) Here you’ll find a small, lovely selection of rosaries for men and women, wire-wrapped in bronze or sterling argentium, with a lifetime guarantee... beautiful presentation...
Robert’s Heirloom Rosaries: Bob’s got a great color sense, and a neat technique for wire-wrapped Pater beads...
Rosary Originals: Demetrius makes unique rosaries and chaplets, including a fun bone-and-skull rosary...
The Rosary Shop Custom-made rosaries, and flower petal rosaries made from your own flowers.
Via Rosa: Catholic rosaries and chaplets, many featuring lampworked glass and Swarovski crystal. Prayers in Spanish, Portuguese and English...
Making Your Own Rosaries – Parts, Supplies, Kits, Instructions
Rosary Workshop is an excellent source for rare sterling and bronze rosary parts cast from vintage and antique pieces. They also offer rosary-making supplies and tools for strung rosaries. At their site you’ll find clear instructions for making your own strung rosaries.
Ave Maria’s Circle offers supplies for making mission rosaries, very nice base metal crucifixes and centers, beads at modest prices—as well as scapulars...
Bill’s Beads produces sterling, bronze, and gold-plate rosary parts and medals in a variety of styles; Bill also offers beads and rosary kits. Wonderful customer service!
Catholic Emporium carries rosary parts, amid a mind-bogglingly vast selection of great medals and pendants—there were a hundred and five different pendants just of Our Lady of Guadalupe when we last checked. Fun to browse.
Catholic Rosary Parts Bronze and sterling crosses, crucifixes, and medals, cast from vintage and antique pieces...
Divine Twine Hand-dyed rosary twine in absolutely fabulous colors!
Lewis and Company: For 50 years (three generations!) the Lewis family has been offering rosary-making supplies. They have a huge selection—from ornate sterling silver crucifixes to matte black plastic ones for military rosaries, habit rosary materials, mission rosary parts, Irish rosary parts, kits, cord, eye pins, wire, beads...
Meinssen Handmade Rosaries carries silicon bronze wire! That exclamation point is well-earned; we spent many, many long months searching. Ann also carries wire in several other alloys, to match your crucifixes and centers, as well as bronze jump rings, and brass chain.
Our Lady’s Rosary Makers: For less than 13 cents (yes), you can purchase all the supplies to make a complete mission rosary. Besides inexpensive parts and kits for mission rosaries, OLRM also carries parts in sterling silver and vermeil (gold over sterling) for special rosaries... Free downloadable instructions for making cord or wire rosaries... Instructions for starting a rosary-making guild... A non-profit apostolate since 1949.
Rio Grande now carries some bronze findings, and is a good source for durable, high-quality rosary making pliers and cutters.
Rosary Army Corp.: Online video instructions for making an all-twine knotted rosary... A Catholic public charity, the Rosary Army provides a free knotted-twine rosary to anyone, anywhere...
The Rosary Shop offers a stupendously large selection of crucifixes, crosses, centers for rosaries, holy medals, and also beads. Design your own rosary from these parts, and either have them assemble it for you, or have it sent to you in kit form, to assemble yourself. Kits for baptismal rosaries; mission rosary kits; kit for a nice men’s confirmation rosary... They also offer prie dieu, prayer kneelers.
Rosary Line carries supplies, and kits, for knotted twine rosaries, and at their site you’ll find excellent illustrated instructions for making them.
Shady Twine: more fabulous hand-dyed rosary twine...
Making Your Own Orthodox Prayer Ropes – Instructions
The Watt Family: Learn how to tie one of those beautiful, complex knots that are used for Orthodox Prayer Ropes... Download the free video that Marty Watt made, or read these well-illustrated instructions...
”How to Make an Orthodox Prayer Rope”: This two-hour video teaches the whole process—how to make the Orthodox prayer rope knots, how to join the knotted rope into a loop, how to make a tassel, and two different ways to knot a cross... It also includes tips on materials. The method is the one taught by Mother Apolinaria of the Holy Dormition Monastery in
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