London, England, Oct 24, 2004 / 22:00 pm
A popular Catholic devotion has become the latest fashion item. Christian shops have been overwhelmed by the demand for rosary beads from teenagers since celebrities, such as David Beckham and Britney Spears, began wearing the beads as necklaces and bracelets, reported the London Telegraph.
The new fashion trend has created concern among the Bishops Conference of England and Wales, which has issued a leaflet stressing the beads’ religious significance and how to use the beads for prayer.
The bishops have expressed "regret" about the way the beads are being trivialized, reported the Telegraph.
Fr. Allen Morris, the secretary of the Department for Christian Life and Worship, said jewellery shops have reported record sales of rosaries in recent weeks.
Shirley Nicholls, manager of the Revelations Christian Bookshop in the Diocese Ipswich, said she has sold more than 100 rosary beads in the past six weeks. Nicholls has started handing out booklets with the rosaries, explaining how to them for prayer.
Others think the trend can be seized for evangelization. It’s an opportunity to explain to people what the rosary is all about, says Kristina Cooper, editor of the national Good News Magazine for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.