Prayer beads offer comfort and peace to many faiths

In the midst of life’s storms and uncertainties and traumas, faith is a place of refuge of salvation. In the midst of those taking refuge in faith, there are articles of faith that provide a tangible sense of security. In many faiths, the tangible article of faith takes the form of prayer beads. The Catholics have the rosary, Muslims have the misbaha. Prayer beads are also used by Buddhists and Hindus. Jews don’t use prayer beads. Instead, they have the tzitzi, fringes on the corners of a prayer shawl called a tallit. The fringes have knots which are touched or held. The rosary is a crucial part of the spiritual lives of Catholics, says Judge Adela Kowalski-Garza. “It’s very therapeutic,” said Kowalski-Garza, who is presiding judge of the 484th state District Court. She presides over difficult court cases every day and spirituality is an important source of strength for her. “I like to pray with something in my hands, to hold onto,” she said. “There something comforting about that. You