The Devout Rosary

What is hematite?

A dark, dense mineral with a metallic shine. Polished into beads, it feels cool and heavier in the hand than wood or glass.

What is the medal at the center of the Devout Rosary?

A Marian medal showing the Blessed Mother. It joins the five decades of hematite beads to the drop that leads to the stainless steel crucifix.

Are the hematite beads of the Devout Rosary knotted or on a chain?

Knotted. Each 8 mm bead is tied individually on a strong cord, which keeps the beads spaced for counting. Let the cord dry if it gets wet.

Can I wear a rosary around my neck?

Yes. There is no Church rule against it; what matters is wearing it with respect, as a sign of prayer rather than a fashion accessory.

Is the dark hematite Devout Rosary a good confirmation gift for a godson?

Yes. The dark beads and steel crucifix give it a sober look a young man will not find too delicate, and confirmation is a classic moment for a godparent to give a rosary.

How do I care for hematite beads?

Wipe them with the microfiber cloth included and store the rosary in its gift box. Avoid dropping it on hard floors, since stone beads can chip.

Mens rosary necklace

Plenty of men pray the rosary and never mention it, usually in a truck, or at the end of a hard day. A rosary made for use is different from one made to look the part. The Benedictine Path is a sober black rosary with the Saint Benedict crucifix, ready in a pocket. The Devout Rosary is five decades of dark hematite beads with a crucifix and a medal of Mary, and the hands keep count while the mind wanders. If you are starting out, one decade counts. More: Men's Rosary Necklace.

Gift for a nun or religious sister

A sister has given up most of what people usually buy each other, so a gift should serve her prayer and not her jewelry box. Some communities keep very little, so a kind note may be the part she keeps. The Fatima Decade is one decade in a small case that fits in a pocket. The Devout Rosary is a full five decades with dark hematite beads and a medal of Mary. Better still, ask her to pray for someone by name, and tell her you are praying for her. More: Gift for Nun.

I used to say the rosary with my grandmother when I was little. She's been gone a long time and I can't even remember how it goes. I want to start again.

Your hands may remember more than you think, because she taught you in the place where things stay. The rough order is simple: the Creed on the crucifix, then an Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be for each of five decades, each decade with a moment from the life of Christ. Keep a printed guide nearby at first. Nobody is grading it. The Devout Rosary is a full five decade rosary with a crucifix and a medal of Mary at its center. On scattered days the mind wanders and the hands keep count. Say the first decade for her, and let her be the one who brought you back.