Beads for the Dead Chaplet
Configuration
Drop portion:
Crucifix + one large bead on the drop + Marian center medal
Circle portion:
4 sets of 10 beads on the circle above the center + 3 large beads separating these decades.
The Beads for the Dead chaplet (or Rosary of the Dead) was established by the Archconfraternity of Our Lady of Suffrage in Nimes, France, and approved by Pope Pius IX in 1873. The forty beads of the four decades represent the forty hours which Christ spent in Limbo after His entombment. This is a special devotion for the holy souls in Purgatory, rich in indulgences for these souls.
The Beads for the Dead chaplet may also be configured with 5 beads on the drop, although this is a later configuration. The method of prayer given here is for the single bead design. No special bead color seems to be associated with this devotional.
How to Pray the Beads for the Dead Chaplet
On the crucifix, make the Sign of the Cross and pray the De Profundis:
Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord: Lord hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
But there is forgiveness with Thee: because of Thy law I wait for Thee, O Lord.
My soul waits on His word: my soul hopes in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord:
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plentiful redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from all their iniquities.
Alternatively, you may pray one Our Father and one Hail Mary instead of the De Profundis.
On the Eternal Rest (large) beads, pray the Eternal Rest and the Acts of Faith, Hope and Charity:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
My God, I believe in Thee, as Thou art Truth itself.
I hope in Thee, because Thou art infinitely good.
I love Thee with my whole heart and above all things, because Thou art infinitely perfect;
and I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee.
On the invocation (small) beads, pray:
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.
Close the chaplet on the crucifix with the De Profundis, or with one Our Father and one Hail Mary.
23,300 days indulgence is granted and applied to the souls in Purgatory for each recitation of this chaplet.