What is an example of symbolism in the novel, The Woman Who Lost Her Soul?

Stjepan’s mother Marija escapes from Croatia with a precious keepsake – her rosary, a string of beads that assists Roman Catholics in prayer. Decades later, Steven Chambers (formerly Stjepan) prays with the rosary in the chapel following the death of his daughter Dottie. The rosary symbolizes the power and comfort that both Marija and Steven find in their faith, Steven somewhat obsessively.