Saint Francis Tau Cross Five-Decade Catholic Rosary Jade and Brass

Saint Francis is often remembered with birds at his shoulder and creatures gathered at his feet. The Tau tells a more demanding story: of conversion, simplicity and a life turned towards Christ.
 
This Catholic five-decade rosary brings those things together in deep green jade and antiqued brass. Its round centrepiece shows Francis among created life, while below it hangs a great, sculptural Tau cross. The Tau is closely associated with Francis, but it does not end with him: it points beyond Francis to the Cross that formed his life.
 
A little bee is worked into the lower part of the cross. As a beekeeper, that detail matters to me. The bee can return the mind to the created life entrusted to our care—and to the patience, attention and quiet labour shared by prayer and the tending of living things.
 
This is metalwork made to be held. Antiqued brass has shadow and depth: recessed details remain dark while the raised surfaces catch the light. Birds gather around Francis’s outstretched arms, and the worked surface remains legible beneath the fingers. The metal is allowed to look and feel like metal; the jade carries its own variations of moss, leaf and lichen green. These materials are not intended to disguise their nature.
 
At approximately 80 grams, this is a very substantial rosary. The 8 mm beads have a strong tactile presence, while its approximately 70 cm circumference gives the five decades an ample, settled rhythm in the hands. It is made to be held and used in prayer, not kept untouched and immaculate.
 
No devotional object can undertake the work of prayer for us. But an object held in prayer can become a small interruption: a Tau beneath the thumb turning attention back to Christ; a bee returning the mind to the life placed in our care; one bead after another offering a way to begin again.
 
DETAILS
• Traditional Catholic five-decade rosary
• 8 mm jade beads
• Antiqued brass links and devotional metalwork
• Saint Francis centrepiece
• Sculptural Saint Francis Tau cross
• Approximately 70 cm circumference
• Approximately 80 g weight
• Optional coordinating bracelet
• Handmade by me in Paisley, Scotland
 
The bracelet is made for a standard 16 cm wrist measurement. If another size is required, please leave the wearer’s snug wrist measurement in the order notes.
 
As jade naturally varies, each bead has its own colouring and pattern. These variations are part of the character of the finished rosary.
 
Made during the eighth centenary year of the Transitus of Saint Francis, 1226–2026, as part of the Paisley Honey Saint Francis Collection.
 
May the Lord give you peace.