BARLING, Ark. (OSV News) — Stephen Green deftly loops wire and beads, bringing broken rosaries back to life.

The ministry has also healed something broken in him.

Green began the Rosary Rescue Mission at Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Barling, in west-central Arkansas, after moving to nearby Fort Smith from Little Rock in 2025. He repairs broken rosaries or repurposes old rosary beads to create new rosaries or other devotional items. 

Parishioners drop off broken rosaries in a box in the church. Those who want their rosaries repaired also leave them for Green.

Devastating loss

Green, 28, said he shares his artistry, faith and devotion to Our Lady in every rosary he makes.

“I suffer from major depressive disorder and suicidal tendencies,” he told the Arkanas Catholic, news outlet for the Diocese of Little Rock. “I grew up in Italy as part of a military family. My father was killed in action in Afghanistan when I was 5 years old, and I attempted suicide for the first time at age 6.

“My grandmother, who raised me, was my strongest faith influence,” he continued. “We did a lot of traveling when we lived in Europe and visited the Vatican, Lourdes, Fatima and other holy sites. After we came home to Little Rock, I attended and graduated from Little Rock Catholic High School.”

In 2021, his grandmother died. 

“I went south pretty fast,” he said. “I began drinking heavily, and my suicidal tendencies increased. I realized I need to fix my life. I was diagnosed with severe depression, severe anxiety, PTSD and other mental health disorders.”

‘The faith she nurtured in me kept me alive’

Today, Green wears his grandmother’s Miraculous Medal around his neck, “and I know the faith she nurtured in me kept me alive,” he said. 

“I went to Medjugorje two years ago and was led by grace to Fort Smith and Sacred Heart of Mary to share my story and encourage devotion to Our Lady through the rosaries I make,” he said.

After his grandmother’s death, Green worked for a few years in a nursing home and earned a degree in photography at the University of Arkansas. He currently lives in an independent living care facility and works each day at Sacred Heart of Mary.

“Father Matt (Garrison, pastor) gave me some office space in the Knights of Columbus house across from the church,” Green said. “I begin each day with Mass and set up my workspace. Some of my rosaries are made with recycled jewelry and some with purchased beads, medals and crucifixes.”

Donations support parish building fund

Green makes rosary bracelets and rings, as well as traditional and specialty rosaries, including a seven-decade rosary for meditation on the seven sorrows of Mary. He will customize rosaries according to customer specifications.

“I never charge money for rosaries,” Green told the Arkansas Catholic. “I am asking for donations for Sacred Heart of Mary’s building fund, with a goal of raising $5,000, but I will often give my rosaries away to spread God’s love.”

Since beginning his rosary ministry, Green said he has seen his psychiatric conditions improve. 

“This Church is my family and my support system,” he said. “I see my church community at my daily Masses, both in English and Vietnamese, in my parish activities, and in knowing that when I need a break from my work, I can pray at church whenever I want.”

‘This is where my happiness is’

Father Garrison said Green’s joy and generosity are “contagious.”

“He is so genuinely happy to be a part of the community, and he sincerely wants to contribute in any way possible,” he said. “It was a joy for the entire staff to work together to find a place for Stephen to have his own space where he could make rosaries, relax between tasks and simply to feel safe.” 

On most days, Green can be found hard at work in the Knights of Columbus house. 

“This is where my happiness is,” Green said. “I’m right across from Jesus.”

– – –

Maryanne Meyerriecks writes from Fort Smith, Arkansas, for the Arkansas Catholic, weekly newspaper of the Diocese of Little Rock. This story was originally published by the Arkansas Catholic and is distributed through a partnership with OSV News.