Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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AGNUS DEI

A sacramental consisting of a small piece of wax, blessed by the Pope, stamped with the figure of a lamb on one side and with the coat of arms of the Pope on the reverse side. It is a symbol of the Lamb of God as the Savior. It is used as a protection against Satan, sickness, temptations, fire, tempests, and sudden death, and, for pregnant women, safe delivery. Its use is not indulgenced. Except as minute particles of the one blessed by the Pope on the Wednesday of Holy Week in the first year and every succeeding seventh year of his pontificate, no other Agnus Deis are to be distributed among the faithful.