The Blessing of the Lambs

Map

Sant' Agnese fuori le Mura

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The church of Sant' Agnese fuori le Mura was built during the reign of Pope Honorius I (r. 625-38) over the catacombs where Saint Agnes was buried. Although the church was subsequently restored on several occasions, it retains many of its original features. 

The pallium, the stole worn by the pope and metropolitan bishops, is made from the wool of lambs blessed here each year on the feast day of St Agnes (January 21st).   

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Mosaic, apse of Sant' Agnese fuori le Mura