Blessing of the Lambs

(January 21.2012) Pope Benedict XVIth on Saturday, observed a tradition, of the feast of St Agnes, Virgin and martyr, by blessing two lambs,. whose wool will be used for the palliums. which will be bestowed on the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul on June 29th upon the metropolitan archbishops appointed since last year's Feast. The pallium, is a narrow band, "three fingers broad", woven of white lamb's wool from sheep raised by Trappist monks, with a loop in the centre resting on the shoulders over the chasuble and two dependent lappets, before and behind; so that when seen from front or back the ornament resembles the letter Y. It is decorated with six black crosses, one on each tail and four on the loop, is doubled on the left shoulder and sometimes is garnished, back and front, with three jewelled gold pins. The pallium is a sign of honour and of jurisdiction.