Quoting Pope John Paul II (from Rosarium Virginis Mariae), “the traditional aid used for the recitation of the Rosary is the set of beads. At the most superficial level, the beads often become a simple counting mechanism to mark the succession of Hail Mary's. Yet they can also take on a symbolism which can give added depth to contemplation.” The distinctive “blue” rosaries of Our Lady’s Rosary Crusade have gone to more than 7 and a half million people in many parts of the world since 1982. The goal of this “Crusade” has been to give a rosary to everyone who has asked for one, wherever he or she may live. Because low-cost rosaries of satisfactory quality then were not available, the familiar “blue” rosaries were developed, with plastic crucifix, medallion, and beads formed onto a flexible cord.

Again, quoting Pope John Paul II, “Here, the first thing to note, is the way the beads converge upon the Crucifix, which both opens and closes the unfolding sequence of prayer. The life and prayer of believers is centered upon Christ. Everything begins from Him, everything leads toward Him, everything, through Him, in the Holy Spirit, attains to the Father.” The “blue” rosary beads of Our Lady’s Rosary Crusade have some unique and symbolic features, beginning with the clear, almost stark printing on the back of each crucifix; “Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray For Us.” That prayer came from the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1917 at Fatima, Portugal, when she said “God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart.” Those who pray the rosary with some regularity find themselves keeping extra beads handy in pockets or purses, so that they are always available, and thus the symbolic power of the beads is learned as a matter of personal experience. When Mother Teresa was alive and seen frequently in the media, she always seemed to have a rosary in her hand, emphasizing to us that the rosary can be said virtually anytime, anyplace – on a commuter train, relaxing after lunch, and so on. Even one decade is better than none, provided that it is accompanied by meditation on one of the twenty mysteries.

Another feature of the “blue” rosary beads, one that results from an artifact of the method of manufacture, is the temporary presence of “thorns” on the garland of roses that is the rosary. These “thorns” are tiny but noticeable bits of plastic left at the place where the hot plastic entered the cool mold. After a few uses of these beads in saying the rosary prayers, the “thorns” disappear. Until they are gone, they serve as a reminder of the need for repentance and reparation along with prayer, another of the Fatima messages. The rosary beads are an unmistakable visible symbol of hope and love for all who feel overwhelmed by the misery of the world. Just holding the rosary – even out of sight in a pocket or a purse – is a sure aid for anyone in a time of temptation or stress.