The power of Saint Benedict Medal is a historical truth and a christian article of faith. However, not many of decide to use that Holy Medal.
We are overwhelmingly surrounded by things endangering both, our souls and our bodies. First Christians knew how powerful the symbol of a cross is and wore it for protection. We should place the symbol of a cross proudly in our cities, villages, houses, public establishments and wear it around our neck. But in the first place – we should place the Cross in our very hearts.
Cross is also a part of Saint Benedict Medal. Its power grants health, spiritual graces, protection from the evil and other dangers. However, the Medal does not work so simply by itself! It can help us to receive God’s graces but we have to earn it by ourselves in the first place.
The Medal’s symbolism
On the front of the medal is Saint Benedict holding a cross in his right hand, the object of his devotion, and in the left his rule for monasteries. In the back is a poisoned cup, in reference to the legend of Benedict, which explains that hostile monks attempted to poison him: the cup containing poisoned wine shattered when the saint made the sign of the cross over it (and a raven carried away a poisoned loaf of bread). Above the cup are the words Crux sancti patris Benedicti (“The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict”). Surrounding the figure of Saint Benedict are the words Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur! (“May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death”), since he was always regarded by the Benedictines as the patron of a happy death.
On the back is a cross, containing the letters C S S M L – N D S M D, initials of the words Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Non draco sit mihi dux! (“May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my overlord!”). The large C S P B stand for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (“The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict”). Surrounding the back of the medal are the letters V R S N S M V – S M Q L I V B, in reference to Vade retro satana: 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!”) and finally, located at the top is the word PAX which means “peace”.
That sentences are words said by the very Saint Benedict. Every person wearing the Medal should learn those words and be able to say them, making a gesture of the cross over the heart with a thumb in case of evil temptations. Whoever forgets the whole formula, shall do sign of the cross and say “Vade retro satana” (Begone Satan!) or “Saint Benedict, protect me!”. The power of the Cross is so great, that Evil cannot go through its protecting shield. The Church confirmed it official in 1857 and stated that the usage of Saint Benedict Medal could grant its wearer many graces.
The letters I.H.S. that are placed around the Medal signify Jesus’s first holy name: Iesus Hominum Salvator – Jesus The Savior. Our faith and everyday events prove to us constantly the power of Jesus’ Name.
Use of the Saint Benedict Medal
The medal is no amulet! It is only a piece of metal. In order to receive God’s graces through it, one needs deep faith combined with prayer and devotion to Saint Benedict. The letters on the Medal are the prayer’s fist letters. We have to pay with them when we are being tempted. If we turn to God with help of Saint Benedict, He can protect us from spiritual dangers. Saint Benedict Medal should be blessed and used appropriately.
The prayer
Admirable Saint Benedict,
powerful miracle worker and merciful guardian of those in need,
we beg you to pray for grace for us… for which we care a lot
through Jesus Christ, Amen.
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