How to use The Beads of Christ

Use it as a tool to meditate or pray. By moving bead by bead along the Beads of Christ you will be able to reflect upon your life. It is made up of 17 glass beads and one brass bead on an elastic thread. The beads have different names and meaning, read more about the meaning of the beads here. Print a pdf explaining the meaning of the indivdual beads here. 

Background

The Beads of Christ was created by Bishop Emeritus Martin Lönnebo in 1995. After his retirement he wanted to create a rosary for people of today, a tool to help people delve deeper into their spiritual lives. 

Martin Lönnebo (1930-2023) was born in northern Sweden. When he became bishop in Linköping diocese in 1980 he was already a well known environmentalist and spokesman for justice.

Manufacturing

The beads and rosaries are hand made by Tara Projects in India according to the guidelines for Fair Trade.

TARA Projects (Trade Alternative Reform Action) was founded in 1973 to help poorly organised and struggling artisans in Delhi, find markets for their goods. By creating opportunities for these home-based craftsmen to market and sell their goods, TARA helps to generate steady work and income.

Royalties

The Beads of Christ is managed and licensed by Verbum. Martin Lönnebo’s creator royalties are donated to a charitable fund for young people with mental disabilities. The fund is named after his son Jonas and is managed by IM. IM is a Swedish development cooperation organisation working to achieve a world free from poverty and exclusion.

Sizes

The rosary is available in three different sizes & DIY beads:

• Small: approx 4,5 cm across
• Medium: approx 6,5 cm across
• Large: approx 7,5 cm across
• DIY beads threaded: approx. 6,5 cm across

Delivered in a gift bag with an information leaflet.
 

Use in the Church of Sweden

The rosary is an established tool in The Church of Sweden to explain Christian faith to non-church goers and in the regular work with the young and old.

Walks and exhibitions

There are hundreds of pilgrim paths, exhibitions and gardens inspired by The Beads of Christ created by congreations in The Church of Sweden. 

A symbol of faith

The Beads of Christ is a powerful and recognizable a symbol for Christian faith and discipleship for people of all ages in Sweden. 

A popular gift at baptisms

The Beads of Christ is a popular gift at baptisms but should not be given to children under the age of three years old.