Saint Francis Dusky Purple Agate Catholic Rosary with Tau Cross

Handmade in Paisley, Scotland, this traditional five-decade Catholic rosary combines 8 mm dusky purple agate with warm antiqued brass, a Saint Francis centre medal and a sculptural Tau Cross. Created for prayer, reflection and gifting, it is a substantial devotional piece with a rich, quietly contemplative character.
 
THE STORY
The Tau was one of the signs Saint Francis held closest. He used it as a signature and as an expression of conversion, peace and a life centred on the Gospel.
 
This rosary was created during the eighth-centenary year of Saint Francis’s death, bringing that Franciscan symbol into a piece intended to be held, prayed with and treasured.
 
The agate is especially beautiful: dusky purple, soft mauve and smoke-grey tones flow through the beads, giving each rosary its own individual character. Antiqued brass adds warmth and an aged, almost discovered quality, while the substantial 95 g weight gives the rosary a reassuring presence in the hands.
 
At the centre, an oval Saint Francis medal leads to a large Tau Cross depicting Francis with his arms outstretched. It creates a strong visual and tactile focus as the prayers move from the decades towards the cross.
 
PRODUCT DETAILS
Rosary type: Traditional five-decade Catholic rosary
Beads: 8 mm dusky purple agate
Metalwork: Antiqued brass
Centre: Oval Saint Francis medal
Cross: Sculptural Saint Francis Tau Cross, approximately 5 cm × 4 cm
Circumference: Approximately 70 cm
Weight: Approximately 95 g
Made in: Paisley, Scotland
 
PRAYER AND ROSARY SIZING
The generous 70 cm circumference allows the rosary to rest comfortably in the hands during prayer. Many adults will also be able to pass it over the head, although individual fit varies, so please compare the measurement if this is important to you.
 
OPTIONAL MATCHING BRACELET
Complete the design with a matching bracelet, handmade using coordinating dusky purple agate beads and antiqued brass metalwork. It makes the rosary particularly lovely as a complete devotional gift set.
 
Our standard bracelet length is 16 cm, approximately 6.3 inches, which fits the average North American woman’s wrist.
 
A different size can be made at no extra cost when the exact wrist measurement—not the measurement of an existing bracelet—is provided before dispatch.
 
OPTIONAL PERSONAL ENGRAVING
Personal engraving of up to 30 characters is available as a paid extra, making the rosary especially meaningful for a birthday, Confirmation, reception into the Church, memorial or other significant occasion.
 
Choose Engraved Rosary or Engraved Rosary Set from the dropdown menu and enter the wording exactly as you would like it engraved. Short names, dates or simple phrases work best.
Explore the Saint Francis collection
Discover more handmade rosaries and devotional pieces in our Saint Francis collection. For the background to the different prayer traditions, read Saint Francis in Anglican and Catholic prayer.