AGNUS DEI

BASIC R.C. BELIEF

(a) A sacramental of the Roman Catholic Church - a small, round, and flat

fragment of Paschal candle impressed with the figure of a lamb. They can

only be blessed by the Pope, and are usually enclosed in a small, leather

cover and worn around the neck.

This was admittedly devised as a substitute for pagan relics (THE

EXTERNALS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, Msgr. O'Sullivan, page 272)

There are also Agnus Deis of a gray colour, made from wax mingled with the

dust which is believed to be that of the bones of martyrs. This is called

"Martyrs' Paste" (CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA, Vol. 1, p. 220).

From CONVENT OF DIVINE LOVE, 2212 Green St., Philadelphia, PA. "The

consecration of the Agnus Dei takes place in the first year of the reign of

every Pope, and then, as a rule, every seven years thereafter. They are

made of pure, white beeswax, which signifies the spotless human nature of

Jesus Christ, which was formed by the Holy Ghost in the purest womb of the

Blessed Virgin Mary. This wax has first beeen used for the Easter candle

that has been burned in the Church. The wax is formed into small wafers and

the picture of a lamb is impressed on each wafer. Any particle of the wafer

has the same value as the whole.

When blessing the Agnus Dei the Pope uses water, which God also chose to

be used in the old as well as the new Testaments, as an instrument in

working numerous miracles. The water is used with balsam and holy chrism,

and the Agnus Deis are dipped in this liquid while the pope prays, he

blesses, sancitifies and consecrates them that the faithful who use them

with lively faith may obtain the following blessings:

"The hearts of the faithful may be inspired to meditate on the holy

mysteries of our redemption and obtain forgiveness of their sins.

"The cross impressed on them may banish evil spirits, and preserve those

wearing them from hail and thunderstorms.

"They may be preserved from the snares and temptations of Satan.

"That expectant mothers may have God's special protection.

"That those who wear the Agnus Dei devoutly may be preserved from

pestilence, floods, fire and epilepsy.

"That, through the merits of the life and death of our Saviour, they may

enjoy the special protection of God in days of joy and in days of sorrow;

that they may be preserved from all dangers, from every evil, and from a

sudden and unprovided death."

(b) A prayer said by the Priest at Mass.

POST VATICAN II

Along with other superstitious sacramentals, the Agnus Dei is not used as

much in modern Roman Catholicism.

CHRISTIAN COMMENT

"Agnus Dei" is Latin for "Lamb of God." The true Lamb of God is the Lord

Jesus, Who bears no resemblance to either a wax lamb or the "Christ" of the

Roman Catholic Mass.

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