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OSV How a baseball Rosary found its way to Pope Leo XIV

OSV News photo/Simone Risoluti, Vatican Media

(OSV News) — About two weeks after what he calls the most surreal moment of his life, Kevin Workman remains in awe.

That’s no embellishment. After all, imagine being a humble noncelebrity living a quiet life as a devoted family man and suddenly realizing that Pope Leo XIV actually knows your name and possesses something you created just for him.

“It’s just amazing,” Workman told OSV News. “Absolutely blown away.”

Sports rosaries

Seven years ago, Workman began making rosaries as a hobby, giving them away at his parish, St. Peter’s, on the southeast side of Fort Wayne. He later expanded his craft by learning to make wire rosaries and eventually began selling them online, where Notre Dame fans became some of his most devoted customers.

“I feel that the state of the world today needs many, many prayers, and the rosary is the most powerful prayer,” Workman said. “I feel it has become a mission of mine that has developed through opportunities and grace.”

A special commission

Then, on April 18, came the request of his life.

“Catholic Athletes for Christ” commissioned Workman to create a Chicago White Sox-themed rosary intended specifically for the pope. After a few arm pinches to assure himself that he wasn’t dreaming, Workman immediately and emphatically embraced the assignment.

On June 24, Workman’s meticulously completed work reached the Vatican through a visit by former Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski. Along with presenting Workman’s rosary, Pierzynski gifted the pope — an ardent White Sox fan — the baseball from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series.
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O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Walsingham, Mother of God and our most gentle Queen and Mother, look down in mercy upon us, our parish, our country, our homes, and our families, and upon all who greatly hope and trust in thy prayers. By thee it was that Jesus, our Saviour and hope, was given to the world; and He has given thee to us that we may hope still more. Plead for us your children, whom thou didst receive and accept at the foot of the Cross, O sorrowful Mother. Intercede for our separated brethren, that with us in the one true fold they may be united to the Chief Shepherd, the Vicar of thy Son. Pray for us all, dear Mother, that by faith, fruitful in good works, we all may be made worthy to see and praise God, together with thee in our heavenly home. Amen.