History

The exact time and date of the making of the first St. Benedict Medal are unknown. At some point there were letters found on the back of the medal. These remained a mystery until a manuscript dating back to 1415 was found at Metten Abbey in Bavaria in 1647.

The final version of the medal was struck in 1880, in remembrance of the 1400th anniversary of St. Benedict’s birth.

The Medal’s Symbolism

On the front of the medal is St. Benedict holding 2 things. He holds, in his right, hand a cross, to which he was incredibly devoted and, in the left, his rule for monasteries. In the back there is a poisoned cup, that when the saint made the sign of the cross over it, shattered. A jealous enemy had given him this cup and a loaf of bread (also poisoned) that a raven carried away. Above the cup are the words "Crux sancti patris Benedicti" (The Cross of our holy father Benedict). Surrounding the figure of St. Benedict are the words "Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!" (May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death) as he was always regarded to the Benedictines as the patron of a happy death.

On the back there resides a cross. On the cross are the letters C S S M L - N D S M D, initials of the 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!). At the top of the medal is the word Pax (peace.) Surrounding the back of the medal are the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B, meaning "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

This medal is used in numerous ways:

• on chain around the neck;
• attached to one's rosary;
• kept in one's pocket or purse;
• placed in one's car or home;
• placed in the foundation of a building;
• placed in the center of a cross.

Blessing of the Medal

Medals of Saint Benedict are sacramentals that may be blessed legitimately by any priest or deacon -- not necessarily a Benedictine.

The following English form may be used:

The medals are then sprinkled with holy water.

External links

• The Medal of Saint Benedict
• Own your own Medal of Saint Benedict
• EWTN
• Sancta.org

Notes