Pardon Crucifix vs. St. Benedict Crucifix: What Sets Them Apart

Pardon Crucifix vs. St. Benedict Crucifix: What Sets Them Apart

When you pick up a rosary, you’re not only holding a prayer tool, you’re holding a spiritual weapon and the crucifix at the end of that rosary often carries its own history, prayers, and graces. Two of the most powerful crucifixes you’ll find today are the Pardon Crucifix and the St. Benedict Crucifix. Both are beautiful, both have deep Catholic roots, but they emphasize different aspects of our spiritual life: mercy and forgiveness on one hand, and protection and spiritual warfare on the other.

Let’s explore what makes each crucifix special and how they’re featured in two of our premium paracord rosaries.

The Pardon Crucifix: Mercy and Forgiveness

The Pardon Crucifix was enriched with indulgences by Pope St. Pius X in 1905. Its very name reflects its purpose: to draw us closer to Christ’s forgiveness and to encourage us to forgive others.

On one side, it looks like a traditional crucifix. On the other, it bears inscriptions tied to Christ’s Sacred Heart:

  • “Father, forgive them” across the arms of the cross.

  • “Behold this Heart which has so loved men” down the vertical beam.

The Pardon Crucifix isn’t just a reminder of Christ’s mercy though.  It is also linked to powerful indulgences. Historically, the Church granted indulgences for:

  • Carrying it faithfully each day.

  • Kissing it with devotion.

  • Praying simple invocations like the Our Father or asking Mary’s intercession before it.

  • Feast day devotions on the Holy Cross, the Immaculate Conception, and the Sorrows of Mary.

  • The hour of death, when kissed with contrition and trust in God.

Even though indulgence rules have been streamlined since Pope St. Pius X, the Pardon Crucifix remains a rich sacramental.  The Pardon Crucifix is a daily reminder of God’s mercy and our call to forgive.

The St. Benedict Crucifix: Protection in Spiritual Battle

The St. Benedict Crucifix combines the cross of Christ with the famous St. Benedict Medal, which is one of the most powerful sacramentals in the Church’s history. Its roots go back centuries with the medal’s prayers formally approved by Pope Benedict XIV in the 1700s.

The medal itself is packed with symbols and prayers of exorcism:

  • C.S.S.M.L. - Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux (“May the Holy Cross be my light”)

  • N.D.S.M.D. - Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux (“May the dragon never be my guide”)

  • Surrounding these are the letters:

    • V.R.S. - Vade Retro Satana ("Begone, Satan")

    • N.S.M.V. - Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana ("Never tempt me with your vanities"),

    • S.M.Q.L. - Sunt Mala Quae Libas ("All that pours from you is evil")

    • I.V.B. - Ipse Venena Biba! ("Drink your own poison!" Amen)

For centuries, Catholics have used the St. Benedict Medal and crucifix for protection against temptation, illness, and spiritual attack. When blessed (the medal may also be exorcised) the crucifix is a shield in times of trial, a reminder of the victory of Christ over evil and a companion in prayer.

Mercy vs. Protection — Different Graces, Same Purpose

So how do the Pardon Crucifix and the St. Benedict Crucifix differ?

  • The Pardon Crucifix centers on forgiveness — both receiving God’s mercy and extending it to others. It’s especially meaningful for those striving to live lives of repentance and reconciliation.

  • The St. Benedict Crucifix focuses on protection — carrying prayers of exorcism and spiritual strength. It’s a tangible reminder that Christ equips us for the spiritual battles of daily life.

Both lead us deeper into the mystery of the Cross. One emphasizes God’s pardon; the other emphasizes God’s protection. Together, they reveal the fullness of Christ’s love.

Two Rosaries That Bring These Crucifixes Into Your Prayer

At Sanctus Servo, we craft paracord rosaries designed to last a lifetime. Our rosaries are durable, beautiful, and sacramentally rich. Two of our most loved designs feature these crucifixes: Unbreakable Fidelity and St. Michael's Sword. 

Unbreakable Fidelity Premium Metal Paracord Rosary 

Built with navy paracord, gunmetal beads, and antique copper accents, this rosary centers on a Miraculous Medal and ends with a striking copper Pardon Crucifix. It’s strong enough for daily carry and prayer, yet beautiful enough for devotion at home or in church. If you’re drawn to God’s mercy and the call to forgiveness, this rosary is a perfect companion.

Handmade navy blue paracord rosary featuring 10mm gunmetal Hail Mary beads, antique copper Our Father beads, a copper Miraculous Medal centerpiece, and a 2-inch copper Pardon crucifix.

St. Michael’s Sword Rosary

Handmade with rugged 275 paracord in four striking color options and accented with a St. Michael centerpiece, this rosary ends with a powerful St. Benedict Crucifix. It embodies spiritual combat: calling on St. Michael the Archangel and St. Benedict for protection against temptation and evil. Strong, bold, and prayerful, this rosary is a weapon for the battles of daily life.

Premium paracord rosary with durable 10mm alloy metal Hail Mary (copper) and Our Father (silver) beads, featuring a radiant St. Michael centerpiece.

Final Thoughts

Both the Pardon Crucifix and the St. Benedict Crucifix are treasures of the Church, carrying unique graces and centuries of devotion. Whether you’re seeking the peace of God’s mercy or the strength of His protection, these sacramentals are reminders that Christ is always with us.

And when paired with the rosary, one of the Church’s most powerful prayers, these crucifixes become daily companions in faith, forgiveness, and victory over sin. Which speaks more to your heart: mercy or protection? Or perhaps, like many Catholics, you’ll find both have a place in your prayer life.

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