As Catholics, we are called to live a life of faith, hope, and love. One of the ways we can do this is by carrying spiritual weapons, or sacramentals, with us to help us in our daily lives. One of these weapons is the St. Benedict Medal. The St. Benedict Medal has a rich history and has been used for centuries by Catholics to protect themselves and their families from evil and bring blessings into their lives.
History of the St. Benedict Medal
The medal is named after St. Benedict of Nursia, a 6th-century monk who founded the Benedictine Order and wrote the Rule of St. Benedict, a guide for monastic life. St. Benedict is known for, on two separate occasions, blessing food that was given to him that was tainted with poison, and the blessing "removed" the poison. In one instance, St. Benedict was given a drink with poison in it. Upon blessing it and making the Sign of the Cross over the drink, a snake climbed out. In another instance, upon making the Sign of the Cross over a poisoned piece of bread, a bird came in and took the bread away. Both instances foiled the attempts of his enemies who were trying to kill him.
The Front of the St. Benedict Medal
The St. Benedict medal is made up of several symbols on both sides, each with its own meaning. The front of the medal features a picture of St. Benedict, with the words "Crux Patris Benedicti" or "The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict." The front of the medal also shows the cup with a snake climbing out, and a bird picking up his poisoned bread. The outside edge of the medal says "Eius In Obitu Nro Prasentia Muniamur" which is Latin for "May his presence protect us in the hour of our death." The bottom of the medal also has "Ex S M Casino MDCCCLXXX" which is Latin for "From the Holy Mount of Cassino, 1880".
The Prayer of the St. Benedict Medal
The back of the medal has the St. Benedict prayer. In the center is "C S P B" which stands for "Crux Sanctis Patris Benedicti, again Latin for "The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict". Inside the cross in the middle is the start of the prayer, which is "C S S M L, N D S M D" which stands for "Crux sacra sit mihi lux. Non draco sit mihi dix" and is translated as "May the holy cross be my light. May the dragon never be my guide!". The outside ring of the medal then contains the rest of the prayer which is "V R S N S M V, S M Q L I V B" which stands for "Vade retro Satana; nunquam suade mihi vana. Sunt mala quae libas; ipse venena bibas" which translates as "Be gone, Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! Evil is the cup you offer me, drink the poison yourself." The top of the medal says "Pax" which is Latin for "Peace".
The full prayer, also found here is:
Latin:
Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Non draco sit mihi dux! Vade retro, Satana! Numquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas!
English:
May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my guide! Be gone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! Evil is the cup you offer me, Drink the poison yourself!
St. Benedict Medal as a Sacramental
The St. Benedict Medal is a powerful spiritual weapon that can be carried with us wherever we go. It is believed to protect us from evil, physical harm, and temptations. It is also believed to bring blessings into our lives and help us grow closer to God. The medal is a reminder that we have a friend and protector in St. Benedict and that we can call on him for help in our daily lives.
For those who are looking for a durable and long-lasting spiritual weapon, the St. Benedict Medal is an excellent choice. Whether you're looking for a medal to wear as a necklace, keep in your pocket, or adorn to your Paracord Rosary, you can be sure that the St. Benedict Medal will be a powerful reminder of your faith and a source of comfort and protection in your daily life.
Prayer to St. Benedict
O Glorious St. Benedict, you are renowned for your piety, wisdom, and devotion. Protect us from all harm and evil, and guide us in our daily lives. Help us to live a life of faith, hope, and love, and to grow closer to God every day. Through your intercession, may we always be protected from evil and blessed with God's grace. Amen.