Text transcribed from caption: C-31960 POPE BLESSES AGNUS DEI VATICAN CITY -- Pope Paul VI immerses “Agnus Dei,” or Lamb of God, discs in a bowl of holy water and balsam during the first such ceremony of his reign. The oval discs of pure wax are stamped on one side with the impression of a lamb to symbolize Jesus and on the other with the papal coat-of-arms. They are solemnly blessed by Popes at intervals of seven years. The sacramentals are intended as protection against Satan, sickness, sudden death, temptation or tempests and as a medium of divine help for expectant mothers. At the Pope’s rights is Archbishop Enrico Dante, papal Master of Ceremonies. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (U-NY-12D-64-NBM)
