Pope blesses lambs on feast of St. Agnes

January 21, 2016

Following an annual tradition, Pope Francis blessed two lambs on January 21, the memorial of St. Agnes. The rite took place in the Chapel of Pope Urban VIII in the Apostolic Palace.

The wool shorn from these lambs will be woven into pallia: white stoles with six black crosses, worn by metropolitan archbishops.

The pallia will be placed in an urn near St. Peter’s tomb until June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, when the Pope will bless them.

 

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Further information:

• Presentazione degli agnelli benedetti nella festa liturgica di Sant’Agnese (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope Francis celebrates Feast of St. Agnes by blessing lambs (Vatican Radio)