The Inspiring Story of a Bengaluru Woman with 2,000+ Rosaries and 42 Relics

October 7, 2025: Among the hustle and bustle of Bengaluru, a beautiful world of prayer beads and sacred relics comes alive, each telling a story of faith and devotion. In an exclusive interview with Catholic Connect, Priya Prem from Resurrection Parish, Nursing Head at Cisco IT Company with 22 years of experience in the medical field, shares how she has amassed a mind-blowing collection of over 2,000 rosaries and 42 relics.

Her rare and unique pieces include the Good Shepherd Rosary, the Chaplet of Thornless Roses of St. Francis of Assisi, the Sportsman Rosary, the Unborn Rosary with a tiny foetal beads, the 15 Secret Tortures Rosary, the 33 St. Joseph Miraculous Staircase Chaplet, the Wheat Rosary inspired by the parables, and many more! “Each rosary tells a story of faith and devotion,” she says, reflecting on how her collection grew from simple curiosity into a lifelong passion.

Despite a busy and demanding career, she continues this remarkable journey of devotion. Read on to discover the inspiring story behind her collection.

1. How did your journey with the Rosary begin, and what inspired you to start collecting them out of devotion rather than as a hobby?

I began my journey in 2018 after hearing a sermon on the Rosary. That sermon stirred a deep curiosity in me — I wanted to understand why one should pray the Rosary. Later, I received a very unique Rosary, and when I began researching about it, I discovered the profound meaning and history of the Holy Rosary. I realised how powerful it is and why praying it is so important. Gradually, as I prayed more, my love for the Holy Trinity deepened, and I also grew in my understanding of the Holy Mass and Holy Communion. I even started making notes on the history, promises, and significance of the Rosary, which eventually led me to start collecting them for personal prayer.

2. Among the hundreds of rosaries you have collected, are there any with a special story behind them?

Yes, there are many, but one Rosary is particularly close to my heart. I once asked the Little Sisters of the Poor for Job’s Tears (or Jobi lacrimal) seeds grown in their congregation to make a Rosary. After a long time, when a sister called me to visit, she not only gave me the seeds but also surprised me with a blessed Rosary that once belonged to St. Mother Teresa herself. It was completely unexpected, and that Rosary holds a very special place in my heart to this day.

3. Have you ever experienced any personal miracles, testimonies, or moments of grace connected to praying with these rosaries or sharing them with others?

Yes, many. After my husband’s death, I never imagined that my calling would be to proclaim God’s Word through the uniqueness of the Rosary by exhibiting them in the community. Through these efforts, I have received many signal graces — a good job, and rosaries I thought were impossible to get.

People who attended the Rosary exhibitions have also shared their testimonies. Many said they began praying the Rosary daily after attending, while others felt as though they had been transported back to the time of Jesus. Two people were even healed of sickness after visiting the Rosary and relic exhibition. These experiences strengthened my belief in the power of the Rosary.

4. How do you usually collect all these rosaries? Do you travel to places, request people to bring them for you?

Surprisingly, I have never travelled abroad. Yet, today I have 2,000 Rosaries from different countries and 42 holy relics. It still amazes me! I often had to walk long distances to meet priests, nuns, and friends to obtain some of them. It was never an easy task, but through constant prayers and novenas, the Rosaries I desired would somehow come my way.

5. Which Rosary was the most difficult to obtain?

The Five Wounds of Jesus Chaplet was the most difficult for me to acquire. I had been praying for it consistently for an entire year, hoping it would come my way. Finally, my prayers were answered when a friend of my husband returned from the UK and brought it for me. Receiving it felt like a true blessing, and it remains one of the most cherished pieces in my collection.

6. You have organised exhibitions in different parishes. What has been the response of people when they see your collection?

The response has been truly overwhelming. Many visitors were amazed by the variety of Rosaries and their connection to Marian apparitions. Some were inspired to begin praying daily, while others shared that their health had improved after attending the exhibition. People developed a deeper love for Our Lady after learning about her apparitions and the role of the Rosary in them. Some still reach out for prayer support. It is beautiful to see how the exhibitions have reignited Marian devotion in so many hearts.

7. Among your collection, are there any relics connected with the Rosary or saints? Could you share a few names?

Yes, I have a total of 42 relics, each holding deep spiritual significance. Some of them belong to saints such as St. Rita, St. Gemma Galgani, St. Padre Pio, St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, and St. Alphonsa. Every relic serves as a reminder of the holiness and devotion that each of us is called to pursue through faith and prayer. They are not just objects; they are tangible connections to the lives of saints who dedicated themselves entirely to God, inspiring me to deepen my own spiritual journey.

8. How does your daily prayer look like?

Every day, I make it a point to pray four Rosaries, along with the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Seven Sorrows Chaplet, and the Golden Arrow Prayer. Attending Holy Mass is also an essential part of my routine — I never miss it. On the first Saturday of each month, I dedicate extra time to pray a thousand-bead Rosary. This daily rhythm of prayer keeps me grounded and connected to my faith, no matter how busy my schedule gets.

9. Anyone who has helped you a lot in this journey?

It was after my husband’s death that my journey took a new direction. I still remember that when he was alive, he encouraged me to share my collection with others, but I had been hesitant to do so. I would say it was truly his wish that inspired me. Within a year of his passing, Fr. Vivian Richard invited me to host a Rosary exhibition at his parish — and that marked the beginning of a series of exhibitions. To date, I have held exhibitions in 16 parishes.

10. Looking back at your journey, what does the Rosary mean to you today, and what message would you like to share with others?

To me, the Rosary is my ladder to reach Heaven, where God dwells. It is the most special devotion after the Holy Mass. I would like to tell others that if they truly understood the meaning of every ‘Hail Mary,’ they would never leave the Catholic faith. Instead, they would grow deeper in love with it. Many non-Christians have also been inspired by my Rosary collections and have started praying the Holy Rosary.

I have always been drawn to the lives of the saints — reading their biographies has been a source of inspiration and guidance. My first book was about St. Bernadette, which I read at least ten times during my hostel days. Over time, this love for the saints has influenced my Rosary collection, and my exhibitions, which I organise solely for display and not for sale, reflect that devotion. I have never accepted any external financial assistance for my collection; everything has been achieved through my own dedication and efforts.

The Inspiring Story of a Bengaluru Woman with 2,000+ Rosaries and 42 Relics

Latest News