Relic Rosaries

A relic rosary joins two devotions in one: the Rosary itself and the intercession of a saint whose relic sits at its heart.

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On most of these rosaries the centerpiece holds a second-class relic (ex indumentis, from the saint's clothing). On others it holds a medal touched to the spring water of Lourdes, holy ground from Medjugorje, or soil linked to St. Francis of Assisi.

St. Padre Pio and St. John Paul II account for most of the range. For Padre Pio there are wooden, cloisonné and colored bead rosaries in pink, blue, green, purple and black. For St. John Paul II there are canonization rosaries, mother of pearl, ceramic and Venetian Murrina glass. St. Maximilian Kolbe has handcrafted wooden and hematite rosaries. Several are made with First Communion in mind.

Most of these rosaries are blessed by Pope Leo XIV: we bring them to the Papal audience in St. Peter's Square, and each blessed rosary ships with a holy card of the Papal blessing. The relic is never sold: it is a gift with the rosary. For relic medals and holy cards, see our full page of Catholic relics.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the relic on the rosary?

In the centerpiece, the medal that joins the loop of beads to the crucifix. The listing names the relic: a fragment of clothing, a medal touched to Lourdes water, or holy ground.

Is a relic rosary prayed differently?

No. You pray the Rosary as usual. Many people add a short prayer asking the saint of the relic to pray with them.

How should I keep a relic rosary?

Keep it in a pouch or a drawer when you are not praying with it, and treat it with reverence. Like any relic, it should never be thrown away.

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