Agnus Dei

Agnus Dei (Lat., 'Lamb of God'), one of the titles of Christ (John, i. 29); also the name given to a prayer used in the Roman Catholic service of Mass: 'O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.' In the musical reference it is the sixth or last section of the Mass. The figure of a lamb bearing a cross, stamped upon a disc of wax, silver, or gold, is also styled an Agnus Dei. Such medals have been consecrated by the popes, in certain years of their pontificate, since the 14th century, for distribution among the faithful at Easter, and were worn as amulets. The lamb bearing the banner of the cross is used frequently as a symbol of Christ, in stained glass, in sculpture, and even on inn-signs.