An ancient Roman sacramental whose blessing is reserved to the Pope: the discs were blessed in the first year of a pontificate and every seventh year thereafter, on the Wednesday of Easter week, and solemnly distributed a few days later. The wax recalls the body of Christ, the lamb the Victim of Calvary, the banner his victory over sin and death. The custom has not been continued in recent pontificates, so surviving examples are rare and are treasured rather than newly obtained. Like every sacramental it asks for faith: it is a reminder and a plea, never a talisman.

If an Agnus Dei has come to you, treat it with the reverence due a papal sacramental: keep it in a clean and worthy place in the home or wear it in a case, never sell it, and do not let it be handled as a curiosity. Use it as it was meant to be used — as an occasion for an act of faith in Christ the Lamb of God. Looking at it, pray the words of the liturgy: 'Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us,' and ask protection in sickness, in storm, and in the hour of death.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

christological