Rosary-making workshop for the Deaf

The Catholic Ministry for the Deaf (CMfD) organised its first-ever rosary-making workshop for the Catholic Deaf Community at the Church of St Francis Xavier.

Oct 26, 2024


By Elvina Fernandez

The Catholic Ministry for the Deaf (CMfD) organised its first-ever rosary-making workshop for the Catholic Deaf Community at the Church of St Francis Xavier. The workshop saw an enthusiastic participation of 18 people, including a non-Catholic, and was supported by two interpreters.

CMfD coordinator Melina Sylvia Ann Melina shared, “This workshop aimed to help the Deaf community grow closer to Mother Mary. Many participants struggle to pray, but making their own rosary inspired them to start praying.”
The workshop facilitated by Denise Angus, 33, from the Church of the Sacred Heart, Cheras, was a mix of excitement, peace, and a sense of accomplishment.

“Teaching others to make the rosary deepens my own faith and brings me happiness. This workshop also showed me how patient they are in communicating with us,” said Denise who has been making rosaries since 2017 after her father’s passing.

Denise’s signature metal on the “Our Father” beads and her use of strong, long-lasting wires make her rosaries unique and has since sold over 100 rosaries this year alone, ranging from RM10 to RM120. “My mum does the quality control, ensuring each piece is perfect. It takes about 45 minutes to make one rosary, and I can make up to 20 in a day,” she explained.

The participants’ experiences were heartfelt and moving. Teresa Chong Hui Chen, 33, shared, “It was hard to make, but I am very happy and thankful to CMfD for organising this.”

Angela Sia Hue Min, also 33, added, “I enjoyed making it and now feel inspired to make more for children. It was a beautiful moment.”

Caroline Sebastian, 55, found it difficult to hold the small beads but appreciated the variety of beautiful rosaries.
Iverson Peter, 49, used special gadgets to handle the small beads and felt a powerful connection growing inside him. “I feel blessed to be part of this workshop,” he said.

Church of St Francis Xavier parish priest Fr Alvin Ng, SJ who came over after the workshop to bless the rosaries, emphasised the importance of respecting sacramentals: “After being blessed, rosaries cannot be discarded. They should be folded in paper and buried, meant to be passed down to future generations.” He added, “This workshop is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Deaf community, who inspire us with their faith and commitment.”

The workshop was a resounding success giving participants the opportunity to learn different types of chaplets and rosaries to deepen their faith. The Catholic Deaf Community left with not just rosaries, but a renewed spirit and commitment to recite the rosary daily especially this October.

The response from the participants were interpreted by Melina from CMfD.

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