The Agnus Dei Sacramental
<http://www.sacramentals.com/agnusdei.htm>http://www.sacramentals.com/agnusdei.htm
Although its origin is shrouded in the mist of antiquity, the
sacramental Agnus Dei is first mentioned in historical Church
accounts as early as the sixth century, and referred to frequently by
the early to middle ninth century. Thus, for over ten centuries the
Agnus Dei has been a popular and treasured sacramental to Catholics,
especially to those living in Europe where it was most easily
obtained. Yet, regrettably, few Catholics living today have ever even
heard of the Agnus Dei.
The name "Agnus Dei" was given to special discs of wax impressed with
the figure of a lamb, the "Lamb of God" which were blessed by the
reigning Pope in a ceremony so solemn that the Pope was said to
consecrate the sacramentals. Popes traditionally consecrated Agnus
Deis only during the first year of their pontificate and again every
seven years.
In earlier times, on Holy Saturday, the Pope, with the assistance of
the Archdeacon of Rome, prepared the wax from the previous year's
paschal candles, adding both chrism and balsam to the wax. The Agnus
Deis were subsequently consecrated on the Wednesday of Easter week
and distributed on Saturday of the same week. In more recent times,
the wax was prepared by monks and then consecrated by the Pope and
distributed. When visiting Cardinals would visit the Holy Father, an
Agnus Dei wax disc (or several of the discs) would be placed into his
miter. The Cardinals then distributed the Agnus Deis as they saw fit.
In order to provide a comprehensive look into the meaning and
importance of the Agnus Dei, we cite the Catholic Encyclopedia (1913
Edition) as it describes the "Symbolism and Use" of the Agnus Dei.
As in the paschal candle, the wax typifies the virgin flesh of
Christ, the cross associated with the lamb suggests the idea of a
victim offered in sacrifice, and as the blood of the paschal lamb of
old protected each household from the destroying angel, so the
purpose of these consecrated medallions is to protect those who wear
or possess them from all malign influences. In the prayers of
blessing, special mention is made of the perils from storm and
pestilence, from fire and flood, and also of the dangers to which
women are exposed in childbirth. Miraculous effects have been
believed to follow the use of these objects of piety. Fires are said
to have been extinguished, and floods stayed (Vol. 1, p. 220).
In a wonderful article by Charles Hugo Doyle, entitled "The Forgotten
Sacramental," the author provides a summary of the special virtues of
the Agnus Dei, as cited by Popes Urban V, Paul II, Julius III, Sixtus
V and Benedict XIV, which include the following benefits:
* They foster piety, banish tepidity, preserve from vice and
dispose to virtue.
* They cancel venial sins and purify from the stain left by
grievous sin after it has been remitted in the Sacrament of Penance.
* They banish evil spirits, deliver from temptation and preserve
from eternal ruin.
* They are a protection from a sudden and unprovided death.
* They dispel fears occasioned by evil spirits. They are a
protection in combat, and have power to ensure victory.
* They deliver from poison and from the snares of the wicked.
* They are excellent preventatives against sickness and are also
an efficacious remedy -- especially in cases of epilepsy. They hinder
the ravages of pestilence, of epidemics and infectious diseases.
* They quiet the winds, dissipate hurricanes, calm whirlwinds,
and keep away tempests.
* They save from shipwreck and the danger of lightning and
floods. An anecdote is recalled here of Pope St. Pius V, who had
recourse to this expedient when the Tiber was in flood and seemed
likely to submerge the city. We are told that when an Agnus Dei had
been thrown into the river, the angry waters at once subsided.
Needless to say, due to the limited quantity of the Agnus Deis which
were available, those which could be obtained were cherished by the
faithful and gratefully passed down from generation to generation.
The End Of An Ancient Tradition
Elected to the Chair of Peter in the latter half of 1963, Pope Paul
VI is said to have consecrated Agnus Deis in the traditional manner
during the Easter season of 1964. According to the ancient tradition,
Pope Paul VI would have again consecrated the Agnus Deis during the
Easter season of 1971 - inexplicably, he did not. Nor did he ever
again consecrate the Agnus Deis. Pope John Paul I, of course, was
Supreme Pontiff for only 33 days - and did not consecrate any Agnus Deis.
Nor has Pope John Paul II, closing in on his 20th year as Pope,
undertaken to reestablish the Agnus Dei tradition. As is the case
with so much of traditional Catholicism subsequent to Vatican Council
II, the Agnus Dei was abandoned, probably "in the spirit of the
Council" -- just when it became apparent that the sacramental was truly needed.
To the best of our knowledge, no official reason has ever been given
by Rome as to why the ancient and revered traditional practice was abandoned.
We can now but pray that the newly elected Holy Father, Pope Benedict
XVI, will resume the renew the ancient and wonderful Agnus Dei sacramental.
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so that all our prayers and works may begin in You and by You be happily ended.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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Lord, may everything we do begin with Your inspiration and continue
with Your help,
so that all our prayers and works may begin in You and by You be happily ended.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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