I also love rosary beads. In fact, I have a bit of a problem. :) It doesn't matter how many I already own, I could always buy another rosary. They're just so, so pretty, and I attach significance to how I acquired each. I always remember if this pair was a gift, and from whom, or where I was when I bought that other one. They physically bring me happy memories.
Right now, I'm using a special Christmas-themed rosary that my mom bought for me several years back. It's lovely, with green beads (white for the Our Fathers), and an absolutely gorgeous centerpiece and crucifix, both adorned with Christmas green and red. I change it up frequently, because, well. I have so many. :)
I have rosaries in each of my coat pockets. Next to our bed. In my car. In my purse. In the end table in the living room. I even have a few stashed in the kitchen. You never know where you'll need to break out a rosary, right?
I have a few intentions that I've been praying for for some time, and for the first time, I decided to go all out and do an official 54 day rosary novena. It's a series of 6 novenas. For 3 of the novenas (27 days) you pray for your petition. For the following 27 days, you pray in thanksgiving for God's will for your petition. This will be good for me in that in will force me to be more disciplined about fully finishing my rosary each weekday, and adding a rosary on each weekend day.
Today, the Memorial of St. Francis Xavier, was day 1. I finish on January 25th, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. I'll let you know how it goes.
In other Advent-related news, I've started a re-read of a book that I treasure each year. Maybe some of you are familiar with Jan Karon's Mitford series, and I really adore these books. They feature a charming Episcopalian priest, and his life in small town North Carolina. They are such wholesome and sweet reads. One of the books in the series is set around Advent and culminates in Christmas. It's Sheperds's Abiding:
I LOVE this book. I'm almost done with it, and I'm sad to see it end. I may go back and re-read the series again. In this installment, Fr. Tim is moved by a vintage Nativity set, and spontaneously decides to restore it as a surprise Christmas gift for his wife. He spends late autumn and Advent painstakingly working on each piece, and through the process comes to terms with some deeply held emotional issues from his childhood, as well as comes to the aid of some other hurting members of the Mitford community. This may be my favorite book in the series, along with the original installment of At Home in Mitford. If you are a fan of 'sweet' fiction, you'll love these.
I like the Mitford books as well (though I haven't read them in years). I recommended them to my mother and grandmother, both of whom loved them.
ReplyDelete