The Saint Benedict Medal
Updated: Jul 29, 2021
The Saint Benedict Medal
Saint Benedict preferred the spiritual life to the social life and devoted himself to christ and solitude in his early 20s.
During his time living a life of solitude, Saint Benedict wrote a book of rules which encourages others to walk in the ways of God while using scripture as a guide.
For Saint Benedict, the Cross was a deep source of faith and through it, he was able to work many miracles.
Front Side of The Medal
On the front of the medal, Saint Benedict holds the cross in his right hand and his rule book in his left hand. Around the medal are the initials of the words to a Latin prayer of exorcism against evil.
Around the edges of the medal are the Latin words EVIS IN OBITV NRO PRAE SENTIA MVNIAMVR (May we at our death be fortitude by His presence).
Back of the Medal
On the back of the medal are the initials of the Latin words Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Nunquam draco sit mihi dux! (May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my guide!).
In the arms of the cross, the letters C S P B stand for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (The cross of our holy father Benedict).
Above the cross is the word pax (peace),
Around the margin of the back of the medal, the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B are the initial letters, as mentioned above, of a Latin prayer of exorcism against Satan: Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas! (Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!)
Use of the medal
The medal is a prayer of exorcism,
a prayer for strength in time of temptation,
a prayer for peace among ourselves and among the nations of the world,
a prayer that the Cross of Christ is our light and guide,
a prayer of firm rejection of all that is unpure,
a prayer of petition that we may with Christian courage "walk in God's ways, with the Gospel as our guide," as St. Benedict urges us.
Saint Benedict's devotion to the cross serves as an example for many Catholics today, which is why we use the Saint Benedict medal.
The use of this medal and any religious article (whether it be a rosary, medal, cross, statue, rosary, painting, etc) is intended as a means to remind us of God and instill in us a willingness to serve God.
It is not intended to be used as a good luck charm, magic power, or a means for good luck or improved health.
For more information please visit the following valuable resources
The Benedictine Order
The Saint Benedict Center
https://www.saintbenedict.com/catholic-resources/st-benedict-medal/#articleTOC_4
The Saint Benedict Medal