My First Rosary Has Endured For Over 40 Years

by Steve
(Cincinnati, OH)

As with many young Catholics, I have received numerous "religious" gifts on various occasions: Bibles, medals, scapulars, etc. When we were preparing to receive our First Holy Communion, my second grade class was given the opportunity to pick out a special religious item. I don't remember what all was available, but I clearly remember the various styles of rosaries displayed on the table. A rosary was definitely what I wanted.

I picked out my rosary - with its simple crucifix, brown, wood-looking beads, and the two-sided medal with the images of Jesus and Mary connecting the decades into their loop. Nothing flashy or spectacular, but beautiful none the less in its simplicity. It was clearly the one for me.

That was over 40 years ago. Over that time, I have lost or discarded (sadly) many of those early gifts. But my first rosary has endured. Even during the years where my Catholic practices were infrequent or non-existent, I always knew where my rosary was. And today, I carry that rosary with me just about wherever I go. I use it on special occasions and for special intentions. I have many rosaries - some that were gifts, some that were souvenirs (I have one that I purchased while visiting the Vatican), and some "ring/pocket" rosaries that I carry with me at all times and give away to others. But none is more special than that first rosary that I was drawn to some 40 years ago.

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