AGNUS DEI (Latin term for "Lamb of God") is best gathered from the prayers used at various epochs in blessing them. The wax typifies the virgin Christ, the cross associated with the lamb suggests the idea of a victim offered in sacrifice, and as the blood of the paschal lamb of old protected each household from the destroying angel.

The purpose of these consecrated medallions is to protect those who wear or possess them from all malign influences. For example, Agnus Dei is supposed to protect one from the perils from storm and pestilence, from fire and flood, and also of the dangers to which women are exposed in childbirth.

Miraculous effects have been believed to follow the use of these objects of piety. Fires are said to have been extinguished, and floods stayed.

As the forgotten sacrament, Agnus Dei is cited by various popes (Popes Urban V, Paul II, Julius III, Sixtus V and Benedict XIV) as having the following virtues:

• They foster piety, banish tepidity, preserve from vice and dispose to virtue.
• They cancel venial sins and purify from the stain left by grievous sin after it has been remitted in the Sacrament of Penance.
• They banish evil spirits, deliver from temptation and preserve from eternal ruin.
• They are a protection from a sudden and unprovoked death.
• They dispel fears occasioned by evil spirits.
• They are a protection in combat, and have power to ensure victory.
• They deliver from poison and from the snares of the wicked.
• They are excellent preventatives against sickness and are also an efficacious remedy -- especially in cases of epilepsy.
• They hinder the ravages of pestilence, of epidemics and infectious diseases.
• They quiet the winds, dissipate hurricanes, calm whirlwinds, and keep away tempests.
• They save from shipwreck and the danger of lightning and floods.