Thursday, January 22, 2026

Saint of the Day for Friday

St. Marianne Cope

Feastday: January 23
Patron: of lepers, outcasts, those with HIV/AIDS, the Hawaii
Birth: January 23, 1838
Death: August 9, 1918
Beatified: May 14, 2005, by Pope Benedict XVI
Canonized: October 21, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI

Saint Marianne Cope, O.S.F. is also known as Saint Marianne of Moloka'i. She was born in Germany on January 23, 1838 and spent much of her life working in Hawai'i working with lepers on the island of Moloka'i.

She was beatified in 2005 and declared a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.

Cope was born on January 23, 1838, in Heppenheim, in what was then the Grand Duchy of Hesse. Today, that region is part of Germany. She was baptized Maria Anna Barbara Koob, which was later changed to Cope.

Just a year after her birth, her family emigrated to the United States, settling in Utica. New York. Cope attended a parish school until she reached the eighth grade. By that time, her father had become an invalid, and she went to work in a factory to support the family.

Her father died in 1862, and this along with her sibling's maturity, permitted her to leave the factory to pursue a religious life. She became a novitiate of the Sisters of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis based in Syracuse, New York. She took the name Marianne when she completed her formation.

German-speaking immigrants settled in large numbers in her area of New York state, so she became a teacher and later a principal at a school for immigrant children.

Cope also helped direct the opening of the first two Catholic hospitals in central New York. She arranged for students from the Geneva Medical College in New York to work at the hospital but also stipulated that patients should be able to refuse treatment by them. It was one of the first times in history that the right of a patient to refuse treatment was recognized.

By 1883, Cope had become the Superior General of her congregation. It was at this time she received a plea for help from leprosy sufferers in Hawaii. King Kalakaua himself sent the letter asking for aid in treating patients who were isolated on the island of Moloka'i. The King had already been declined by more than 50 other religious institutes.

Mother Marianne, as she was then known, left Syracuse with six sisters to attend to the sick and arrived on November 8,1883.

Once arrived, Mother Marianne managed a hospital on the island of O'ahu, where victims of leprosy were sent for triage. The most severe patients were sent to the island of Moloka'i.

The next year, Mother Marianne helped establish the Malulani hospital on the island of Maui.

Her tenure at Malulani hospital did not last as she was soon called back to O'ahu to deal with claims of abuse from the government-appointed administrator there. Upon arrival and following an initial investigation, Mother Marianne demanded that he resign or she would leave. The government dismissed the administrator and gave her full management of the hospital there.

Although Mother Marianne was getting older, her workload only seemed to increase. Soon, she was responsible for orphans of women who had contracted the disease as well as clergy who had contracted the disease while working with lepers.

Eventually, Mother Marianne's work became a burden on her frail body, and she was confined to a wheelchair. Despite this limitation, she continued to work tirelessly. Many noticed that despite all her years of work she never contracted leprosy herself, which many regarded as a miracle in itself.

Mother Marianne passed away on August 9, 1918, and was buried at Bishop Home.

In the years following her death, several miracles were reported in her name. In 1993, a woman was miraculously cured after multiple organ failure following prayers to Mother Marianne. The woman's subsequent recovery was certified by the Church and Mother Marianne was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on May 14, 2005.

After her beatification, Mother Marianne's remains were moved to Syracuse, New York and placed in a shrine.

On December 6, 2011, an additional miracle was credited to her and approved by Benedict.

On October 21, 2012, she was officially canonized by Benedict.

The incredible Catholic faith of National Chmpion & Heisman Trophy winner: Fernando Mendoza

Catholic Heisman-winner Mendoza thanks God after IU football’s first national championship

written by John Knebels

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15), a Catholic and the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, greets his mother, Elsa Mendoza, after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., Jan. 19, 2026. The Hoosiers defeated the Hurricanes 27-21 in the national title game. (OSV News photo/Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images via Reuters)

(OSV News) — On Jan. 19, quarterback Fernando Mendoza soaked in the glory of leading Indiana University to its first national championship, but he directed the attention elsewhere: “This moment is bigger than me,” he said afterward. “First, I want to thank God.”

Minutes earlier, under the bright lights of Hard Rock Stadium in Florida’s Miami Gardens, Indiana University stood on the edge of something it had never touched before.

Quarterback run brought the win

Early fourth quarter. Fourth-and-four at the 12-yard line. The Hoosiers led Miami, 17-14, in the national championship game. A punt would have been safe. A field goal cautious. Instead, the call went in: quarterback run.

Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and a devout Catholic, took the snap and went straight into traffic. He absorbed a hard hit at the 5-yard line, stumbled, stayed upright and kept moving. Miami defenders swarmed him again as he leaned forward, refusing to go down. Two more hits followed as he dragged himself across the goal line, the ball extended, the stadium roaring. It quickly became one of the most-watched touchdown runs in college football history — a moment replayed endlessly on social media, stripped of context but heavy with meaning.

For Indiana, it helped seal the first national championship in school history, a 27-21 victory that completed a perfect 16-0 season. Two years earlier, Indiana had gone 3-9 and had more losses historically than any other college football program.

A career shaped by near misses

Indiana’s transformation began with a gamble. After the 2023 collapse, the program hired Curt Cignetti, a builder with a reputation for changing cultures. In 2024, the Hoosiers jumped to 11-2 and a No. 10 national ranking. After that season, Mendoza transferred from the University of California, Berkeley — a quarterback with talent, toughness, and a career shaped by near-misses and limited opportunity.

Rated a two-star prospect out of Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, a Catholic school run by the Marist Brothers, Mendoza saw his recruiting window nearly vanish during the COVID-19 pandemic. He received only one scholarship offer. He stayed patient. He stayed disciplined. And, by his own account, he stayed grounded in his Catholic faith.

Mendoza directed the offense with calm precision, finishing this season with virtually every major individual award in college football. On Dec. 13, at the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York City, he was named the nation’s top player — the most prestigious individual honor in the sport.

Yet even on that stage, his message did not change.

‘Dream once felt a world away’

“First, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to chase a dream that once felt a world away,” Mendoza said, his voice breaking. He spoke of teammates and coaches, then turned to his family — especially his mother, Elsa, who has battled multiple sclerosis for years.

“Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine,” he said. “You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light. You’re my ‘Why.’ You’re my biggest supporter. Your sacrifice, courage, love — those have been my first playbook, and the playbook that I’m gonna carry through my side through my entire life.

“You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong,” he said. “It’s choosing hope. It’s believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to.”

Honoring his Cuban heritage

He honored his Cuban heritage in Spanish and embraced his brother Alberto, Indiana’s 2025 backup quarterback, calling him his “lifelong teammate.” Faith, family and football blended seamlessly — not as performance, but as testimony.

Those close to Mendoza say the public moments reflect private habits. He reportedly prays the rosary every Friday, listens to online Mass before games and avoids hype music to stay grounded. He attends Mass regularly and makes frequent use of the sacraments.

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15), a Catholic and the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., Jan. 19, 2026. The Hoosiers defeated the Hurricanes 27-21 in the national title game. (OSV News photo/Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images via Reuters)

Dominican Father Patrick Hyde, the pastor of St. Paul Catholic Center at Indiana University, has witnessed that consistency. “Fernando backs up his talk on TV by giving glory to God at Sunday Mass,” Father Hyde, who congratulated Mendoza on the field after Indiana’s 56-22 semifinal win over Oregon Jan. 9, wrote on X.

‘Shows up out of love for God’

“He shows up out of love for God, not human praise,” Father Hyde added.

On Christmas Eve, Mendoza brought his Heisman Trophy to St. Paul Catholic Center — not for display, but as an act of gratitude.

More than a month later, on Jan. 19, he stood on the biggest stage of his sport once again. After the final whistle, confetti falling, history secured, Mendoza embraced his mother at midfield. Both were in tears.

“I want to give all the glory and thanks to God,” he said again.

In a season defined by dominance, Mendoza’s faith never felt rehearsed. It was steady. Lived. Verified by habit and witness. From overlooked recruit to Heisman winner to national champion, he returned to the same source — and never looked away.

John Knebels writes for OSV News from suburban Philadelphia.

Cardinal Parolin discusses tensions between Europe and USA, joining the Board of Peace for Gaza

Cardinal Parolin responded to questions on the sidelines of the event marking the 25th anniversary of the Osservatorio for Independent Thinking in Rome

Vatican

Cardinal Parolin: Tensions between US and Europe worsen international climate

Speaking to journalists, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin touches on the tensions between the United States and Europe, saying it is essential “to discuss the controversial issues, but without engaging in polemics and without creating further tensions.”

By Daniele Piccini

The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, spoke to journalists about tensions between the United States and Europe on January 21 on the sidelines of the event entitled, ‘An International Dialogue to Connect Young People to the Future’ in Rome.

He stressed that “tensions are not healthy and create a climate that worsens an international situation that is already serious. I believe the important thing would be to eliminate tensions, to discuss the controversial points, but without entering into polemics and without fueling tensions.”

The event held at the Auditorium Antonianum marked the 25th anniversary of the Observatory for Independent Thinking.

Invitation to the Board of Peace on Gaza

Turning to the topic of the Board of Peace for Gaza, the Cardinal reflected on how President Trump is inviting a number of countries to participate.

“I believe I read in the newspaper this morning that Italy, too, is considering whether or not to join,” he continued, “We also received the invitation to the Board of Peace for Gaza; the Pope has received it, and we are considering what to do.”

He argued, “It is an issue that requires some time to be properly assessed and to provide a response.”

Speaking about the Board of Peace for Gaza, the Cardinal said that the Holy See would not take part financially, noting, “We are not even in a position to do so.”

However, he pointed out that the Vatican is in a different situation from other countries, and therefore the analysis will be different. But, the Cardinal said, “I believe the request will not be for economic participation.”

Respect for international law

Commenting on the US President’s statement in Davos that he loves Europe but does not like the direction it is taking, the Vatican Secretary of State said: “That is his point of view. What matters is respect for international law. I believe this is the essential point, beyond personal feelings, which are legitimate, but what is important is respect for the rules of the international community.”

Freedom of the press and trust in journalism

When asked about freedom of the press, the Cardinal said that “trust in the media is extremely important.”

But, he said, it is equally important to ensure “responsible use of the press. I think that is the key: a responsible use of the media that seeks to build up rather than polarize or destroy.”

Venezuela, a beautiful country

“Venezuela is a beautiful country—I enjoyed it during the four years I served as Apostolic Nuncio in Caracas. It was an unforgettable experience,” Cardinal Parolin said, answering questions from journalists during the event at the Auditorium Antonianum.

Between 2009 and 2023, the Cardinal added, “there were major political difficulties. When I arrived, there was tension between the bishops and Chávez, because the bishop's voiced criticism of the President’s political direction; then things got worse. Now we find ourselves in this new situation of enormous uncertainty, and it is hard to predict how it will develop. What matters is to respond to the needs of the people, who are living through a profound crisis,” he concluded.

Iran and a “Third World War fought piecemeal”

The Secretary of State then recalled the Church’s perspective in conflicts.

“A crisis brings unspeakable suffering for the population. This is the Holy See’s lens. First and foremost, our attention is on people—we must not think in terms of numbers, but of faces,” he said in response to a question about the protests in Iran.

He acknowledged that the expression Pope Francis used to describe the international situation— “a Third World War fought piecemeal”—has become a “reality.”

Yet, he added, slogans do not always capture complexity. “I’m sorry,” he continued, “that these phrases then become slogans with no impact on reality and without solutions being found. This is a great limitation of our world.”

Answering a question about the nuclear threat, the Cardinal reiterated that “the Holy See has always worked for disarmament. We must reduce armaments, because once they exist, they are used. The Holy See,” he stressed, “upholds the immorality not only of the use but also of the possession of nuclear weapons.”

The Israeli Palestinian conflict

Cardinal Parolin said he was convinced that the resolution of the conflict between Israel and Palestine is the key to peace throughout the Middle East.

“Once that is resolved,” he commented, “the others will be resolved as well. For ten years now, the Holy See has recognized the State of Palestine.”

Finally, the Secretary of State reiterated what he called the “still viable” two-state solution supported by the Holy See.

“We still consider the formula of two peoples in two states feasible, but the important thing is to reach an agreement and offer hope to the Palestinian people," he said. "We will see what happens with the Board of Peace on Gaza. What is needed is creativity—to find an approach that ensures Palestinians the right to live in peace in their own land.”

The Catholic Church in the Holy Land gets much needed support

Participants in the Holy Land Coordination pilgrimage

Church

Holy Land Co-ordination: Stand with people of Holy Land, help foster dialogue

At the end of their annual pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the Co-ordination of Bishops' Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land release a statement calling for the recognition of human dignity, praying that peace may prevail over violence.

Vatican News

“The people of the Holy Land cry out for our help and prayers; they long for an end to their suffering. Stand with them. Recognize their plea for dignity. Help foster genuine dialogue between communities.”

This is the appeal launched by the Co-ordination of Bishops' Conferences in Support of the Church in the Holy Land, better known as the Holy Land Co-ordination (HLC), in a communiqué released on Thursday, January 22.

The HLC was created in the 1990s and is organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW). It brings together bishops from across Europe, North America, and South Africa to express closeness, solidarity, and pastoral and spiritual support to Christian communities in the Holy Land.

Every year they embark on an annual pilgrimage to the region, with the 2026 edition taking place from January 17 to 21.

Thirteen bishops participated, representing the Bishops’ conferences from Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Germany, England and Wales, Canada, Scotland, Spain, the United States, France, Ireland, and Italy.

In their final statement at the end of their journey, the HLC also invited Christians to “heed the call of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, to come on pilgrimage as a sign of our love, support, and solidarity” with the people of the Holy Land.

A struggling land

The HLC explained in their communiqué that their pilgrimage was “to a Land where people are suffering trauma,” and in the 12 months that have passed since their last visit, “the Land of Promise is being diminished and challenged.”

They said they visited Bedouin communities living in the Occupied West Bank who shared “their experiences of a life on the periphery, being observed but often not encountered, their movement heavily restricted by rapidly expanding settlements encircling them on the surrounding hills.”

The HLC also “heard stories about Israeli settler attacks and their continual violence and intimidation, theft of livestock and demolition of property, leaving many unable to sleep at night for fear of further violence.”

“When we asked them who sees their struggles and their cry to live in peace with their neighbors, they replied, ‘Nobody sees us’,” the statement continued.

During the pilgrimage, the HLC also participated in a Mass with the only completely Christian town in Palestine, and the inhabitants also shared stories about their suffering.

"Endless attacks from extremist settlers, uprooting of their olive trees, the seizure of their land and intimidatory acts that make their daily life unbearable, driving many into mass emigration.”

Efforts for peace should prevail over violence

“Gaza remains a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The people of the West Bank we encountered are demoralized and fearful,” the statement highlighted.

“The courageous Israeli voices which speak out for human and civil rights are increasingly threatened; advocating for marginalized voices is a costly solidarity. We fear that soon; they too will be silenced.”

The bishops underlined how as Christians it is “our calling and duty to give a voice to the voiceless” and to share their suffering and promote human dignity so that the world can work for justice and compassion.

They wrote that the “settlements in the West Bank, illegal under international law, continue to expand by commandeering the land of others” and insisted that the universality of human rights should apply to all, but instead “it is relentlessly replaced by a system where dignity and protection depend on one’s civil status.”

“We affirm Israel’s right to exist and for Israelis to live in peace and security; equally, we call for these same rights to be upheld for all those rooted in this land. We hope that efforts for peace will prevail over violence, and that there will be no more acts of terrorism and war,” the HLC said.

“We also urge our governments to exert pressure on Israel to uphold the rules-based international order and to revive meaningful negotiations toward a two-state solution for the benefit and security of all.”

Resilience of local communities

The HLC also emphasized that they were “deeply moved by the faith and steadfastness of local Christians and also by people of other faiths who work to sustain the hope of their communities.”

Their efforts serve as a reminder “that it is our shared vocation to be ‘salt of the earth’ and ‘light of the world’ and to strive for peaceful coexistence and security across the Holy Land.”

“We also witnessed the courage of those Jewish and Palestinian voices who, despite immense challenges and their own trauma, continue to advocate for justice, dialogue, and reconciliation,” the HLC said.

“Hearing from parents who have lost a child to conflict and can still find a way to forgive offers a powerful witness to the possibility of peace and reconciliation. Few experiences are more devastating. When such a mother or father pleads for an end to violence, the world must listen—and act,” the statement stressed.

The bishops concluded the communiqué by stating that they end this pilgrimage with their “hearts full of compassion for those who are suffering and inspired by those who, by their pursuit of justice, keep the hope of peace alive.”

Pope Leo XIV moves 6 forward on path to Sainthood

Pope

Pope approves decrees for 2 new Blesseds and 4 Venerables

Pope Leo XIV approves decrees for the causes of saints and recognizes the martyrdom of Guatemalan Fr. Augusto Rafael Ramírez Monasterio and Mother Maria Ignazia Isacchi, clearing the way for their beatification.

By Tiziana Campisi

On Thursday, Pope Leo XIV held an audience with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, and authorized him to promulgate decrees related to two people who will be beatified and four new Venerables.

The decrees recognized the martyrdom of Fr. Augusto Rafael Ramírez Monasterio, a priest of the Order of Friars Minor, and a miracle attributed to the intercession of Sr. Maria Ignazia Isacchi, founder of the Congregation of the Ursulines of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Asola. Both will therefore be proclaimed Blessed.

He also recognized the heroic virtues of Nerino Cobianchi, a layman, and Srs. Crocifissa Militerni, Maria Giselda Villela, and Maria Tecla Antonia Relucenti, who have been proclaimed Venerable.

Guatemalan priest and martyr

Augusto Rafael Ramírez Monasterio was born in Guatemala City on November 5, 1937, into a large and devout Catholic family.

Having discerned a religious vocation, he began his Franciscan novitiate in Jumilla, Spain, where, after completing studies in philosophy and theology, he was ordained a priest on June 18, 1967.

In 1978, he served as guardian and parish priest of San Francisco el Grande in Antigua, Guatemala, dedicating himself to the parish’s pastoral life and to the poor and defenseless, while the country was being torn apart by civil war.

Arrested on June 2, 1983, he was tortured and then released but was placed under special surveillance and received numerous death threats.

On November 7, 1983, he was seized again by soldiers and killed during a transfer to the outskirts of the city. The decree recognizes that he was killed in hatred of the faith.

Sr. Maria Ignazia Isacchi

Italian Superior General of Ursuline Sisters of Somasca

Maria Ignazia Isacchi—born Angela Caterina and known as “Ancilla”—was born on May 8, 1857, in Stezzano, in the Italian province of Bergamo, and entered the Ursuline Sisters of Somasca at just over the age of twenty.

Elected Superior General, she transferred the motherhouse to Asola and continued to direct the institute there until 1924, when, for reasons of health, she was forced to resign; she nonetheless received the title “Superior General for life ad honorem.”

She died on August 19, 1934, in Seriate, and in 2022 she was declared Venerable.

Attributed to her intercession is the miraculous healing, in 1950, of Sister Maria Assunta Zappella, who suffered severe abdominal pain due to “enterocolitis of probable tubercular nature.”

On the last day of a novena, the sister suddenly felt better; the next day, a chest X-ray showed regression of the illness, and the treating physicians noted an unexpected and sudden improvement, with rapid progress and complete healing a few days later.

New Italian and Brazilian Venerables

Nerino Cobianchi—declared Venerable on Thursday—was born in the Italian province of Pavia on June 25, 1945, into a deeply religious farming family.

After moving with his family to Cilavegna in 1974, he became involved in the parish community, dedicated himself to young people, and was among the founders of a scout group.

He organized prayer groups, volunteered after the Irpinia earthquake in 1980, and carried out many charitable initiatives, extending them to other countries in the Sahel region.

Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 1996, he continued his initiatives until his death on January 3, 1998.

His life was marked by intense charitable activity rooted in a firm faith, nourished by prayer, daily Mass, reading of the Bible, and recitation of the Rosary.

Crocifissa Militerni (born Teresa) was born on December 24, 1874, in Cetraro, in the Italian region of Calabria, and from a young age showed a strong inclination for a life of prayer and apostolic work directed to the young.

She contributed to the creation of the “Princess Mafalda” nursery school and devoted herself to caring for the sick, assisting the poor, the elderly, and the dying.

Humble and detached from material goods, she faced with serenity the sufferings caused by serious health problems and died on March 25, 1925.

Maria Giselda Villela, born in Brazil on January 12, 1909, lived an existence marked by illness and became prioress of the Carmel in Pouso Alegre.

Nicknamed Mãezinha (“little mother”) for her welcome and kindness, she became a spiritual point of reference for many.

Though living in enclosure, she knew how to open herself to the world, welcoming those who knocked at the parlor for comfort or advice.

She died on January 20, 1988, animated by great faith and trust in Divine Providence.

Maria Tecla Antonia Relucenti, born in the Italian city of Ascoli Piceno on September 23, 1704, embraced the project of founding the Congregation of the Pious Worker Sisters of the Immaculate Conception and was appointed Superior for life on December 8, 1744.

She dedicated herself to education and formation, collaborated in drafting the Constitutions, and died on July 11, 1769, remembered for steadfast faith and a spirit of charity.

Saint of the Day for Thursday

St. Vincent Saragossa

Feastday: January 22
Patron: of São Vicente, Lisbon; Vicenza, Italy, vinegar-makers, wine-makers.
Death: 304

St. Vincent, the protomartyr of Spain, was a deacon of the 3rd century. Together with his Bishop, Valerius of Saragossa, he was apprehended during a persecution of Dacian the governor of Spain. Valerius was banished but Vincent was subjected to fierce tortures before ultimately dying from his wounds. According to details of his death (which seem to have been considerably developed later on), his flesh was pierced with iron hooks, he was bound upon a red-hot gridiron and roasted, and he was cast into a prison and laid on a floor strewn with broken pottery. But through it all his constancy remained unmoved (leading to his jailer's conversion) and he survived until his friends were allowed to see him and prepare a bed for on which he died. The saint's fame spread rapidly throughout Gaul and Africa - we have several sermons of St. Augustine given on his feast day. His feast day is January 22.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Pope Leo XIV received two lambs on the Feast of St. Agnes; their wool is used for the pallia for all new Metropolitan Archbishops

Pope

Pope Leo XIV presented with lambs on feast of St. Agnes

Two lambs were presented to Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday on the liturgical feast of St. Agnes, in keeping with an ancient tradition of the Roman Church.

Vatican News

On Wednesday, January 21, in the Vatican’s Urban VIII Chapel, Pope Leo XIV was presented with two lambs on the occasion of the Memorial of St. Agnes of Rome.

Following an ancient tradition, the animals were later blessed in the Basilica of St. Agnes Outside the Walls in northern Rome, where the young 4th-century martyr is buried.

As is customary, the wool from these lambs will be used to make the Pallia for the new Metropolitan Archbishops.

The Pallium is a liturgical insignia of honor and jurisdiction worn by the Pope and Metropolitan Archbishops in their churches and in those of their ecclesiastical provinces. It consists of a narrow band of white woolen cloth decorated with six black silk crosses.

The rite of blessing and imposition of the pallia is performed by the Pope on June 29, the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.

An ancient tradition

The first mentions of the tradition of blessing two lambs on the feast of St. Agnes date back to the 6th century.

It is tied to an ancient legend about her life that says that she appeared to her parents after her death when they came to pray at her tomb. They saw her surrounded by a choir of virgins and holding a pure lamb in her arms.

Historical records also indicate that two lambs were once considered the “rent” paid by the monks of the Basilica of St. Agnes Outside the Walls to the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Members of the Lateran Chapter would present these lambs to the Pope for his blessing.

For many centuries, lambs from the Trappist farm at the Abbey of the Three Fountains in southern Rome were taken directly from the Basilica of St. Agnes to the Pope to be blessed.

Then the lambs would be sent to the Benedictine nuns of the Basilica of St. Cecilia in Trastevere, who would shear them during Holy Week, so that the wool could be woven into the pallia for the new archbishops.

In recent years, some aspects of this tradition have changed as the Trappists no longer maintain the sheep farm, and the Pope does not bless the lambs at the Vatican. However, the Benedictine nuns still shear the lambs to make the new pallia.

abitadeacon