by Caroline Perkins

Do you wear a Saint Benedict medal?

The Saint Benedict medal is a powerful sacramental in the Catholic Church. It bears the image of Saint Benedict, a sixth-century monk known for his spiritual wisdom and contributions to monastic life.

The medal is rich in symbolism. Each part represents a particular aspect of Saint Benedict's life or has a specific spiritual meaning.

According to the National Catholic Register,

"As Saint Benedict is invoked against evil, his medals are considered particularly efficacious against it. This is the medal the Church uses when she’s had just about enough.”

What does the Medal of Saint Benedict mean?

Here is an explanation of the common elements found on the Saint Benedict medal:

Front of St. Benedict Medal


On the front of the Benedictine medal:

  1. Saint Benedict's image represents Saint Benedict as a powerful intercessor against evil and a source of spiritual guidance. He holds the written Rule of Saint Benedict in one hand and a cross in the other.
  2. On one side of Saint Benedict is a raven. On the other is a cup with a serpent emerging from it. This represents an incident in his life when he miraculously saved himself from poisoning. Above the cup reads: “Crux sancti patris Benedicti," which means, “The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict.”
  3. Surrounding Saint Benedict are the words, “Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!” which translates to, "May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death."
  4. At Saint Benedict’s feet reads: “Ex. S. M. Cassino MDCCCLXXX” - Of the Holy Monte Cassino 1880.
Back of St. Benedict Medal
.

On the reverse side of the Saint Benedict medal:

5. “Pax” means Peace in Latin. The Cross signifies Christ's victory over sin and death through His crucifixion.

6. The vertical arm of the cross bears the initials "C.S.S.M.L.," which stands for "Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux" ("May the Holy Cross be my light").

7. The horizontal arm of the cross displays the initials "N.D.S.M.D.," which stand for "Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux", or "Let not the dragon be my guide." This is a rejection of evil.

8. The larger letters surrounding the center cross, “C S P B”, stand for: Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti, which means,"The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict."

9. Surrounding the back of the medal are the letters, V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B. This symbolizes a Latin prayer for protection: "Vade Retro Satana! Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana!". It translates to: "Begone, Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities!"

According to the National Catholic Register,

"Though lay people and most priests are forbidden to conduct exorcisms, they are permitted to use the Saint Benedict medal to ward off evil."

One is allowed to:

  1. wear the medal around the neck;
  2. attach it to one's rosary;
  3. keep it in one's pocket or purse;
  4. attach it to one's keychain;
  5. affix it to one's car or home;
  6. place it in the foundation of a building;
  7. Affix it to the center of a crucifix, usually behind the corpus.

It is important to note that we should not treat the medal of Saint Benedict as magic. Instead, we accept its graces due to our faith in Jesus Christ and the powerful intercessory prayers of Saint Benedict.

The Saint Benedict Medal is considered a powerful sacramental that carries spiritual significance and protection for those who wear or use it with faith.

It serves as a constant reminder of the presence of God, the victory of the Cross, and the intercession of Saint Benedict against evil.