My Rose Gardens

When I was a freshman, my high school, Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy, which is a Catholic school, opened my heart for a necklace consisting of 59 beads, a crucifix and a centerpiece featuring the image of Blessed Virgin Mary, which they call “Rosary.”

According to New Religion Curriculum, the word “Rosary” comes from the Latin word “rosarium,” which means rose garden. Every time you pray the rosary you plant a rose garden in your heart in honor of Our Lady. In it the Prince of Peace is most happy to dwell.

Thanks to my high school. I feel closer to the Lord because they introduced the Holy Rosary to me. From that day, I always bring one with me and wear it, sometimes. Some people say that if you are wearing a rosary, you are treating it more like a fashion accessory than a sacramental. But for me, it depends upon to the wearer. As for me, I wear Rosary because it serves as my guide. Wearing my Rosary constantly reminds me of God’s wonderful gift to the world.

Since we celebrated the feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary last October 7 and this month is a Rosary month, I would like to share my collections.

This Rosary was given to me by the sister of our parish church after I graduated high school.

This Rosary is a graduation gift from my high school registrar who served as my mother in the said school.

This Rosary is from our church during the first day of the month of Rosary. One of the church people gave Rosaries to those who didn’t bring Rosary that day.

This was given to me by my mother’s friend. She knows my favorite color, huh.

I bought this Rosary from Basilica de Sto Nino in Cebu when we went there.

My biggest Rosary is another souvenir from Cebu.

My mother bought this for me in Divisoria. They sell different Rosaries to choose from.

This is another Rosary given by my mother’s other friend. This Rosary is originally from Vatican and blessed by Pope Benedict XVI.

My mother is really rich in friends. I am glad that they also gave Rosaries like this to my mother’s daughter.

This Rosary is given to me by the former parish priest of our church from other country that I forgot.

A church person had a Christmas present for those who completed the 9-day Simbang Gabi. She gave us this Rosary.

Thanks to my ninang for this gorgeous Rosary.

DLSU grants these kind of Rosaries to their students. Did you know that it has more beads compared to a normal Rosary? It is because they added a sixth mystery.

This Topaz-beaded Rosary is given by my mother during my 15th birthday.

No, this is not mine. This is my mother’s. I will never beat her collection because as you can see, she has more Rosaries than mine. She also collects religious status and books.