My devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary and praying the rosary to meditate upon the mysteries of our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the most important parts of my priesthood. To quote Obi-Wan Kenobi, I consider rosaries "an elegant weapon for a more civilized age." I love making quality rosaries that pray well and stand the test of time!
If you pray the rosary often, there is no substitute for a cord rosary with a proper gap to move the beads over your fingers. I greatly prefer this style over chain rosaries. This style of rosary rarely gets tangled in your pocket or rosary pouch and they are significantly stronger. I generally use a cord that has over a 100lb breaking strength, and in 16 years of making rosaries, I've never had one break. These rosaries are also shorter than chain rosaries which is helpful when praying your rosary while walking or driving (especially if you drive a manual transmission).
I am very picky about the beads I use, opting for solid materials such as bone, wood, stainless steel, solid brass, solid copper, etc. I also apply the same philosophy for crucifixes, and I generally use stainless steel, solid bronze, or other quality metals. In the past I often crafted rosaries with knotted crosses which are very light and strong.
I enjoy trying different combinations and making rosaries for friends, clergy, and religious when I have time. It's one of the more worthwhile ways I spend my time.
-Fr. Peter
