History of the Irish Penal Rosary

Religious persecution in Ireland began under Henry VIII. (1540 until about 1731) The local Parliament adopted acts establishing the king's ecclesiastical supremacy, abolishing the pope's jurisdiction, and suppressing religious houses. A trip through the countryside of Ireland today will yield ruins of monasteries and churches everywhere.

In 1691, King James II signed the Treaty of Limerick. This assured that the Irish Catholics were secure to own their own land, could speak their own language and above all, practice their religion. History tells us that as soon as he left Ireland, the treaty was broken and all the guarantees above were denied by the English. Death became the common penalty for attending or celebrating the Mass. Many Priests and Laity lost their lives in the underground churches.

These times became known as the 'Penal Times' and the Irish Penal Rosary became popular as religious objects were forbidden and this rosary could be easily hidden allowing devout Catholics to pray with less fear of being detected. The traditional Penal Rosary was an in-line string of ten Aves and one Pater. A crucifix was placed at one end and a ring at the other.

The Penal Rosary was used by concealing the crucifix and beads inside one’s pocket, sleeve, or palm while the ring was placed over the thumb as the first decade of the rosary was prayed. The ring was then placed over the next finger as the second decade was prayed and so on until all five decades were prayed.

Penal Rosaries - Product list

See details  Russian Serpentine 6mm Cube Penal Rosary with Handcast Bronze Penal Crucifix and Ring of Thorns This is a hand crafted flex-wire one decade penal rosary made from Russian Serpentine 6mm cubes and glass spacers. The penal crucifix has symbols on the front and back... Smooth bronze ring also available. Price: $ 62.00 BUY NOW>> See details  8mm Brecciated Jasper Penal Rosary with Handcast Large Bronze Penal Crucifix and Ring of Thorns NEW PRICE! This is a hand crafted flex-wire one decade penal rosary made from 8mm Brecciated Jasper beads and glass spacers. The exquisitely detailed penal crucifix is 2.5 inches! Flat, textured ring and other beads available! Price: $ 97.00 BUY NOW>> See details  10 X 8mm Camo Stone Penal Rosary with Base Metal Penal Crucifix and Ring of Thorns Other stones available. In Stock Ships in 0-1 day! The penal crucifix has symbols on the front and back...click here. Price: $ 29.00 BUY NOW>>