On January 15, 2026, the fathers at St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere, Wisconsin elected the Very Rev. Bradley Vanden Branden, O. Praem. as their 8th abbot in its 133-year history. I've known Abbot Bradley and his parents for many years, and I had the privilege of making Rosary #28 for him back in 2021 to celebrate his 5 years as a priest. So, I was again very honored when his parents asked me to make this rosary for him for his Abbatial Blessing Mass.

I was eager to work with the Vanden Brandens again, as they knew exactly what they wanted and provided all of the parts. I love these purple beads and of course the gold-colored crucifix, which is similar to the one he now wears as abbot. The centerpiece is an image of St Augustine of Hippo.