For more than a hundred years, on the Feast of St. Agnes, January 21, the reigning pope blesses two lambs. The wool of the lambs blessed on the feast day is then woven by religious nuns. The wool then becomes the fabric for the pallium which the pope gives to new archbishops in June.
This year was no different as you can see in the video below. I absolutely love hearing the bleating of the little ones as they come before the presence of Our Holy Father. I am also touched by Our Holy Father’s gentle caresses he gives each little lamb.
One lamb is crowned with red flowers to remember St. Agnes’ martyrdom; the other wears a white crown to recall her virginity. Although a simple ceremony, it is rich in symbolism and meaning. There are also significances pertaining to the good sisters. Read this article to learn about the behind the scenes activities as the good sisters in the video prepare the lambs.