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Most Reverend Father Angelo,

On a website of Salesian-inspired prayers, in the “Sacramentals” section, there is a session about the “Agnus Dei” medallions that are made with the wax from the churches of Rome and blessed by the Pope every seven years or when the Pope himself deems it appropriate.

According to what is said on the site, they have many properties: Are you aware of this sacramental? What do you think?

Thank you for the time you will devote to me.

Antonia Maria

(Sr. Rosa Maria O.P. in the Fraternita Laica)

Priest’s answer

Dear Antonia Maria (Sr. Rosa),

1. Yes, there is the Agnus Dei tradition.

These are white wax medallions, round or oval, on which the divine Lamb is depicted standing, loaded with the wood of the cross, or crouched next to it.

2. The origin of the Agnus Dei is obscure.

According to some, they would be given as a reminder of Baptism on the day in which the white garment received on the night of Holy Saturday was put off.

The day was that of the Sunday in Albis, which today is also called day of the Divine Mercy.

3. According to others, they were instituted by Pope Zosimus in the fourth century to replace the amulets to which the pagans attributed virtues capable of preserving from evil.

4. Since the faithful had the habit of taking fragments of the previous year’s Paschal candle for devotion, it was suggested mixing them with any wax to make the medallions.

Since the 16th century, the popes themselves have blessed them on the first day of their pontificate and every seven years, preferably on Easter Friday.

Today the medallions are taken from the candles that are offered to the Pope on Candlemas day by the parish priests of Rome and by the religious institutes.

5. The long prayers of the blessings are among the most beautiful in the liturgy.

The Pope immerses the Agnus Dei in the water he has blessed and into which he has poured balm and sacred chrism.

This ceremony is called “Baptisms of the Lambs“.

6. The Agnus Dei can be worn as a Blessed medal.

They are sacramental.

If they are worn with devotion, mindful of Baptism and the commitment to a holy life that we must lead, they can obtain graces and even extraordinary favors.

They can be hung on the walls of the house as a sign of blessing.

As they are sacramental, and therefore by virtue of the prayers of the Church, they protect against “the dangers of contagious diseases, the dangers of the sea, lightning, fires, floods and provide mothers with a happy birth”.

7. However, we must avoid attributing magical power to them in order not to fall into superstition committing a sin.

Then, instead of receiving a blessing, the door is unknowingly opened by our common adversary who, when he comes, “comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy” (John 10:10).

I bless you, I wish you well and I remember you in prayer.

Father Angelo