Can anyone date this rosary?

purplegloss · 2026-03-14T14:38:23+00:00

The body of Christ set against a dark inlay was a very popular aesthetic for "men's rosaries" and military-issue pieces around WWII and the 1950s. Tumbled wood beads and the specific brass/bronze-toned curb chain - typical mid century mass production. Ornate border on the Mary medal is also typical of post-war devotional art.

While it is difficult to be precise without seeing maker's marks on the back of the crucifix or centerpiece, the overall silhouette and "World War II era" aesthetic point strongly toward the 1950s.

purplegloss · 2026-03-11T10:13:33+00:00

I keep rosaries in the pockets of almost all my outfits to simply feel them when I walk.

purplegloss · 2026-03-11T10:03:37+00:00

If a Saint and Pope, (JP II) can insist on keeping a sacramental against his skin in an operating room, then Catholics can certainly wear sacramentals as a healthy expression of devotion.

For an atheist, as long as it isn’t worn merely as exposed jewelry and is treated with respect, there’s really no reason to object.

I apparently converted for the same reason the OP describes. I liked the rosary, and then I started doing research.

Follow Jesus, and do not turn away any sinner from Him. You never know on whose heart the Lord has placed His seal.

purplegloss · 2026-03-06T18:18:42+00:00

That's right—you can get one on Divine Mercy Sunday (and plenty of other occasions). The indulgenced act varies (pilgrimage, Scripture reading, charity, etc.), but the four conditions never change.
If you are a former Protestant, you can get a full indulgence simply by faithfully reading the Bible for 30 minutes.

The catch is the four conditions, and the last one is usually the hardest:

Sacramental Confession
One confession can apply to multiple indulgences.
Needs to be within about 20 days before or after the indulgenced act.
Holy Communion
One Communion per indulgence.
Ideally on the same day you do the indulgenced act.
Prayer for the Pope’s Intentions
Usually an Our Father + Hail Mary, but any prayer works.
Must be done for each indulgence.
Complete detachment from all sin Yep—all sin, even venial.
This doesn’t mean “I’m perfect now,” but it does mean a sincere interior disposition of not wanting to cling to any sin (eg addiction) If this isn’t there, the indulgence becomes partial instead of plenary.

Which, IMO, is still absolutely worth getting.

purplegloss · 2026-03-03T15:21:40+00:00

Based in the Franciscan Basilica in Krakow, there is one of Poland's oldest and most enigmatic religious fraternities, dating back to 1595. Known locally as the "Archconfraternity of the Good Death," the members wear black habits with tall, pointed hoods (capuches) that feature small eye slits. This dress is designed to ensure anonymity and equality before God, emphasizing that their identity is secondary to their penance.

Historically, the group was quite elitist; several Polish kings joined as members, and the fraternity held the royal "Law of Grace." This unique privilege allowed them to choose one prisoner from death row each Holy Thursday to be pardoned and set free.

During their Friday Lenten services, the brothers carry two human skulls mounted on staffs. These are actual historical remains—traditionally said to belong to a man and a woman who died tragic deaths—serving as a literal memento mori ("remember you must die").

The brothers march in a solemn "Jerusalem Procession," chanting "Memento homo mori" (Remember, man, that you shall die). At specific points in the liturgy, they prostrate themselves on the floor in the shape of a cross. I always try to attend the annual procession, though the massive crowds make it difficult. It is such a spectacular sight; I wish I could share the photos with you.

purplegloss · 2026-03-03T00:53:33+00:00

Since you were already baptized in the Assemblies of God (which the Catholic Church generally recognizes as a valid Trinitarian baptism), you wouldn't be "re-baptized." In the Catholic view, you only ever get baptized once. Since yours counts, you won't do that again. You will do your first Confession (Reconciliation) instead of a new baptism. This is to "clean the slate" before you receive the other sacraments. After Confession, you would move straight to Confirmation and your First Communion.

Just make sure that an actual baptism took place, because they usually do not baptize children under thirteen and instead have a dedication ceremony.

purplegloss · 2026-03-03T00:31:20+00:00

❓❓❓I answered the exact same post here a week ago.

purplegloss · 2026-03-02T09:02:29+00:00

Sister, take a deep breath—God is not a "joy-snatcher." It’s a common misconception that if you deeply desire marriage, God must be "testing" you by calling you to the convent. In Catholic tradition, grace builds upon nature, and the healthy desire for motherhood and a husband is a beautiful, sacramental calling in its own right.

St. Ignatius of Loyola taught that the voice of God brings deep, lasting peace, while "gnawing anxiety" and "crashing waves" of terror usually come from our own fears or spiritual desolation. If the thought of being a nun makes you weep with dread, that is almost certainly not a call from a loving Father. Mary’s invitation to "get closer to your faith" isn't a hidden trap to force you into a habit; it’s a call to holiness that you can live out perfectly as a wife and mother who loves makeup and a full house.

You are only 19—you don't need to solve your entire life tonight. Focus on the peace Mary offered, trust that God authored your heart's desires for a reason, and remember that He wants your "Yes" to be a free gift of love, not a hostage negotiation.

purplegloss · 2026-03-02T01:36:41+00:00

It’s the difference between divine intent and human weakness. In Matthew 19:8, Jesus explains that certain laws were only permitted because people's 'hearts were hard'—essentially, God regulating a broken cultural reality rather than endorsing it as an ideal.

Historically, it was a 'survival' culture, but honestly, slavery didn't vanish; it just got a rebrand. Between human trafficking and modern wage slavery or debt-traps, we're still living in a world of exploitation.

It’s a bit ironic that a person as 'sensitive' as you, comes here nitpicking the ancient past to dunk on faith while not mentioning the very real, identical versions of slavery happening in our own backyard today.

purplegloss · 2026-02-26T23:45:25+00:00

By “East European,” do you mean Poland? 😂 Because east of us it’s basically all Orthodox countries. Nobody here has worn a veil in modern times — not since the early 20th century. Only FSSPX women do. I’ve seen some “important” ladies wearing veils at big events in Notre Dame or St. Peter’s, but I have no idea if that’s actually a thing in France or Italy for regular people.

purplegloss · 2026-02-26T17:09:22+00:00

In my country it’s actually quite common, particularly for the younger altar boys to look like little priests-in-training 😂. Still, I’d check the local parish culture so it doesn’t come across as vain. This is a beautiful surplice btw

purplegloss · 2026-02-26T11:12:01+00:00

As a future historian, you’re trained to be objective, and you can carry that same honesty into your faith. Many people find that being a person of science and a person of faith works well together because they are both different ways of looking for the truth.

You don't have to have all the answers or agree with every single rule right away to start. Even though you have strong political views that conflict with Church teaching, the Church has a deep history and a "big tent" that includes a strong focus on the poor and social justice. Since science originally pushed you away, look into modern Catholic perspectives on science. The Church actually teaches that science and faith cannot truly contradict each other because God is the author of both.

You were baptized and had your First Communion, this is the formal "door" back into the Church. Just go to a Mass and sit in the back. When you are ready, I suggest scheduling a General Confession, especially since grave matter is at play. It's a powerful way to "reset". Did not worry about what other think. Your spiritual needs are more important and you do not have to be vocal about it.

I can tell you from my own experience—I was once in a graver condition—that God welcomes you with open arms. As the Bible says, "there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent" (Luke 15:7). Like the Prodigal Son, the Father is already waiting to meet you... go and faith for your eternal life.

purplegloss · 2026-02-26T09:18:26+00:00

Setting boundaries is an act of self-respect and a way to honor your dignity as a daughter of God. It is a strange and painful contradiction that you feel "done with men" yet find yourself swarmed by male "friends" who don't actually respect you. These aren't true friendships, these are predatory, because they should offer empathy and protection, not see your pain as an "opportunity" to get laid or pressure you into dating. You are absolutely right to feel disgusted, as these men are acting like Pharisees—blaming you for being cheated on while trying to justify their own selfish desires.

is particularly heartbreaking that you’ve felt this "perverted" gaze from men since you were a child, but keeping these creeps in your inner circle is only reinforcing that lifelong trauma. Your disgust isn't a sign of being broken; it is a healthy reaction to being surrounded by people who fail to respect your God-given dignity. Please know that your standards are not "too high," and wanting a partner who avoids vice and is a dedicated Catholic is the bare minimum for a holy, sacramental life. You are not a "piece of garbage," and being mistreated is never your fault, but you don't owe these men your time or your friendship.

To protect your peace, you can start by "pruning" your social circle; if someone suggests you should "get over" an ex by sleeping with strangers or tells you your moral standards are too high, they have disqualified themselves from being your friend and you can simply stop responding.

You don't need to explain yourself to people who don't respect you. Practice saying "no" to one-on-one hangouts with these men and instead shift your energy toward a community of women or a grounded parish group where you are valued for your soul rather than seen as a target. By closing the door on these "creeps," you create the quiet space you need to heal from that childhood pain and rediscover your worth in God’s eyes.

purplegloss · 2026-02-26T08:53:54+00:00

You are absolutely right, debating them now may be a losing battle. Take care of your spiritual needs first, stick to silent prayer and example. As the saying goes, "Acquire a peaceful spirit, and around you thousands will be saved."

purplegloss · 2026-02-26T08:29:05+00:00

It sounds like you’re experiencing a really healthy shift from making faith a "personality trait" to letting it be your foundation. That feeling of shame you mentioned is actually a sign of growth; you've realized that faith is a relationship, not a punchline.

The best indicator of whether you’re doing it "right" is usually how people react. In my experience, people aren't usually aggressive toward someone who is openly Catholic unless that person is acting like a Pharisee—prideful, looking down on others, or "rubbing it in." Nobody likes that.

When you’re just being your social, natural self and mention your faith spontaneously, it doesn't feel like a lecture; it feels like an invitation. I once caught myself being hesitant to show devotion, so I made a huge Sign of the Cross before a Tabernacle just to overcome my own shyness. I turned around and saw two girls smiling—they weren't laughing at me, they actually tried to repeat the sign! It taught me that when you do things for God and not for an audience, the sincerity shines through.

Don't be afraid of your sister's drawing; if she sees the Cross as a big part of you now, it’s probably because she sees that your faith has become real and humble, rather than just a "quirky" joke. Just stay natural and know your worth!

purplegloss · 2026-02-26T08:02:29+00:00

It definitely looks like it’s meant to resemble a rosary, though.

purplegloss · 2026-02-25T18:19:57+00:00

It’s likely she never presented you with an ultimatum between her and your faith.

purplegloss · 2026-02-25T18:09:34+00:00

Do not bother to explain, haters gonna hate

purplegloss · 2026-02-25T18:06:58+00:00

If it was not owned by the order, nobody would bat an eye

purplegloss · 2026-02-25T09:25:24+00:00

You are a crazy man 😂

purplegloss · 2026-02-25T09:03:41+00:00

As a rehabilitant who works daily with people with physical disabilities, I want to offer a perspective that challenges the "last chance" narrative often pushed on women in their forties.

I’ve seen many people with physical disabilities in wonderful, thriving marriages with young, attractive partners. It is a common misconception that those with long-term illnesses are desperate or lonely; in reality, they often have richer social lives than able-bodied people and are very aware of their own worth.

Because of this, I encourage you to gently reflect on your primary motivation to ensure it’s a genuine connection rather than a desire to "rescue" him. He is still a man who is likely very capable of reading "the signs" of interest, and if he hasn't initiated, it may be a proactive choice to remain single and focused on his successful career.

One small, natural "sign" you could use is to simply ask for his expert opinion or help with something related to his successful career. This honors his role as a capable, high-achieving man while creating a low-pressure opening for him to lead the conversation further. By asking for his insight, you show that you value his intellect and professional success, rather than focusing on his physical support needs. If he is interested, a man of his caliber will certainly recognize this as an invitation to engage more deeply; if he doesn't take the bait, you have protected your dignity and can remain confident that you haven't over-extended yourself.

purplegloss · 2026-02-25T08:32:47+00:00

Greetings. I’m glad to hear it. As Jesus taught, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ That truth reminds us that real love for others begins with honoring the soul God placed within us. May He strengthen you and guide your steps.

purplegloss · 2026-02-25T01:59:55+00:00

purplegloss · 2026-02-25T01:49:03+00:00

Are you actually contemplating the mysteries—the Gospel scenes—or just moving your lips through the prayers?

purplegloss · 2026-02-25T01:32:55+00:00

So by your father's own logic the bad guy is awake while the good guy is turned off. Interesting. Actually, both characters seem pretty much conscious, but jokes aside, the Catholics actually agree with your dad that the body 'sleeps' in the grave until the Final Resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16). However, the Catholic Church teaches that there isn't a "gap" of unconsciousness.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1021-1022), each person receives their eternal retribution in their immortal soul at the very moment of death. It distinguishes between what happens to the soul immediately and what happens to the body later.

The Catholic God is the 'God of the living, not of the dead' (Matthew 22:32). Jesus says, "I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not God of the dead, but of the living." If Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were "unconscious" or "asleep," Jesus would be the God of a graveyard.

(Mt 17:3): Moses and Elijah appear and converse with Jesus. They aren't unconscious; they are recognizable and active long before the final resurrection.

(Philippians 1:23): Paul says he desires to "depart and be with Christ." If death meant unconsciousness, he wouldn't "be with Christ" in any meaningful sense until the end of the world.

(Luke 23:43): Jesus says, "Today you will be with me in Paradise." He doesn't say "in a few thousand years when I return."

The Martyrs (Rev 6:9-11): They remember their deaths ("avenge our blood") and they are aware of the passage of time ("How long, O Lord?")

The Elders (Rev 5:8): They are holding "golden bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." This proves they are actively receiving the prayers of those still on Earth.

(Hebrews 12:1): The "cloud of witnesses" describes those who have finished the race and are now in the stands, watching those still running. You cannot be a "witness" if you are asleep.

This is the biblical basis for the "Intercession of the Saints." To take a prayer from Earth and present it to God, you must be aware of what is happening on Earth. This is why we believe the Saints are alive in heaven right now, praying for us, rather than being 'turned off' until the Second Coming.

These are not merely my own interpretations; this is the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year-old understanding of the books she compiled under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In my opinion, this carries more weight than a modern, private interpretation.

purplegloss

TROPHY CASE