The Fatima Decade

Is it a bracelet or a rosary?

Both. It is one decade of the rosary, ten beads with a centerpiece and crucifix, that closes with a lobster clasp to be worn at the wrist.

What comes in the case?

The decade rosary, in a 3.5 cm clear round case with a Fatima medallion on its lid.

What happened at Fatima?

In 1917, at Fatima in Portugal, three shepherd children reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary, who asked them to pray the rosary daily for peace.

What are the five glass pearl colors of The Fatima Decade?

Navy pearl, speckled blue, red pearl, light pink pearl and pink pearl, all in 6 mm glass beads on a silver-tone chain.

Does the Fatima case help a first communicant keep the decade safe?

Yes. The 3.5 cm clear case with the Fatima apparition on its lid makes the decade easy to give and to store, for a child old enough to wear it with care.

Will water damage the glass pearl coating of The Fatima Decade?

It can. Keep the decade dry so the pearl coating and the silver-tone finish last, and put it back in its case after wearing it.

Rosary for first communion

A child who has just received Jesus is ready to learn how to stay with him, and the rosary is how many families teach that, a few beads at a time. Start small. The Fatima Decade is one decade in a clear case with the Fatima apparition on its lid, enough to begin, since Mary asked those three shepherd children to pray every day. For a full rosary to grow into, the Benedictine Rosary has wooden beads and the Saint Benedict crucifix. Pray the first decade with them that evening. More: Rosary Jewelry.

Pocket rosary to carry every day

A pocket rosary is for the bus, the waiting room, the five minutes in the parked car before going in. It is prayer that fits into the day you actually have. The Benedictine Path is a sober black wooden rosary, ready in a pocket for the next decade. The Rosary of Faith, in natural wood with Saint Benedict medals, can be carried in a pocket or kept by the bed. If even that feels like too much, the Fatima Decade is one decade with its own small case.

My godson's first communion got pushed back because of family stuff and he's making it at 11. He's kind of embarrassed he's the oldest one. I'd like to give him something for a bigger kid.

At 11, in a line of seven-year-olds, he'll feel every inch of it, so it helps to treat this as what it is: he's old enough to understand what he's doing, and the little ones aren't. Tell him that. The Fatima Decade is Our Lady of Fatima, who asked three shepherd children in 1917 to pray the rosary every day. One of them was about his age. A single decade is something a boy can actually do, and he can begin right there. Show him how after Mass, and say one with him. Then take him out for whatever he wants to eat.