Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Will Henry via phone call on December 15, 2022. Some of the questions have been rearranged and edited to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given.
What inspired you to begin Rings of the Lord?
Around two years ago my mom ordered a rosary from our family friend Steven. He told us about the Irish Penal Rosary and joked about us starting a business to make this type of rosary. The story of the Penal Rosary resonated with me. It reminded me of Jesus’ words about prayer in Matthew 6:6.
Describe your Catholic journey (so far).
My faith has always been important to me my whole life. My parents became friends with a priest while we lived in Florida. I always had an interest in the sacraments. My dad has a degree in theology and I enjoy talking to him about it. And my mom has a heart listening to God. Both of them influenced my faith.
What have been joys you experienced with this project?
The biggest joy is learning how my work has spread to all these people in the United States and across the world: one rosary was sent to Canada and another to Germany. One customer commented that the first time he prayed the rosary was with the Penal Rosary I made.
Where did you learn web design?
I picked up my myself and found it interesting to have on the web to look at. My uncle got me involved in website building for his business. I enjoy doing this because I can use design to help display the product(s). Good design reminds me of the beauty in the Catholic Church. We have beautiful church and you look at all the art and it draws you to the main focus (Jesus). In a similar way, my website is about drawing attention to the main focus: to Jesus through Mary.
What have been some obstacles you encountered?
Hard to give to attention to three to four different areas in my life. But I can give my website a break when I need it too.
Who is your favorite Catholic saint(s) besides Mary?
My patron saint is Saint John Bosco. I was reading his story and I enjoyed how he had a sense of humor being a priest. He wasn’t a priest who wasn’t sitting in prayer all day. He was among the people. I think his liveliness was amazing!
How do you incorporate prayer in your life?
I think that praying the Rosary is important in my life. Prayer connects the physical with the spiritual world. Prayer makes me feel that God isn’t a far, distant being. The gift of prayer is amazing. It’s natural for us to cry out to God and it’s great to be personal with our Lord and Savior. Both memorized and spontaneous prayers serve a purpose in my life it depends on the day. I started using the Hallow app and the novena I’m praying is one way God is really speaking to me recently. Remembering the words of the novena helps ease my doubts.
How’s it like being the oldest of five kids?
It’s both a blessing and a challenging. I often feel more responsible for my siblings than they seem to be for themselves. I put more pressure on myself than necessary. But I enjoy helping my siblings out.
How can my readers find you?
http://www.ringsofthelord.com. Check him out on Instagram @ringsofthelord1
About Will:
Hello, my name is Will Henry! I started Rings of the Lord with hopes of bringing people closer to Mary. I live in the beautiful mountains of western NC with my parents, my four younger siblings, and my dog, Bosco. On the weekends I love serving mass at church (my favorite role is Master of Ceremony). After school I enjoy playing golf, designing websites, and of course making rosaries.
