Comprehensive Exploration of the Saint Benedict Medal

A portrait of Saint Benedict as depicted in the Benedetto Portinari Triptych, by Hans Memling

June 14, 2025 written by Christian Lamplighter

Introduction

In the rich tapestry of Catholic sacramentals, the Saint Benedict medal stands out as a potent symbol of faith, protection, and devotion. This detailed exploration aims to uncover its historical roots, significance within Catholic practice, associated prayers in both Latin and English, and the purported benefits of its use, drawing from a wide array of sources to provide a thorough understanding for modern believers.

Historical Context and Development

The exact origins of the Saint Benedict medal remain somewhat obscure, with historical records suggesting it evolved from a simple cross dedicated to St. Benedict of Nursia, the founder of Western monasticism. The modern design, known as the Jubilee Medal, was struck in 1880 under the supervision of the monks of Montecassino, Italy, to commemorate the 1400th anniversary of St. Benedict’s birth. This design was produced at Saint Martin’s Archabbey in Beuron, Germany, overseen by Very Rev. Boniface Krug OSB, a native of Baltimore and former monk of St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, before becoming prior and later archabbot of Montecassino. Since its creation, this version has become the most popular worldwide, surpassing other medals honoring St. Benedict, as noted by Saint Benedict Medal History and Significance.

The medal’s evolution was further clarified in 1647 when a manuscript from the Abbey of Metten in Bavaria, dated 1415, revealed the meaning of the letters around the cross as a Latin exorcism prayer, adding to its historical depth and spiritual potency.

Importance to Catholics

The Saint Benedict medal holds significant importance in Catholic tradition as a sacramental, a sacred sign instituted by the Church to prepare believers to receive grace. It is particularly esteemed for its protective qualities, often recommended for those spiritually afflicted or harassed, as highlighted by What You Need to Know About St. Benedict and His Medal. Pope Benedict XIV formally approved its use in 1742, underscoring its ecclesiastical endorsement. The medal serves as a constant reminder of Christian dignity and the need to carry one’s cross daily, aligning with St. Benedict’s Prolog, and is seen as a tool for fostering peace and rejecting evil, with “pax” (peace) inscribed as a Benedictine motto.

Detailed Symbolism and Design

The medal’s design is rich with symbolism, reflecting its spiritual purpose:

On the front of the medal is an image of St. Benedict with cross and Rule, poisoned cup, & a raven. The cross symbolizes salvation, the rule represents monastic legacy, and the cup and raven recall protection from poison. Also located on the front of the Saint Benedict medal are the phrases “Crux s. patris Benedicti” and “Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!” The meaning of these phrases are “The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict,” and “May his presence protect us in our death”. Finally, the phrase “ex SM Casino MDCCCLXXX” can be found at the bottom of the medal. The translation of this phrase is “From holy Monte Cassino, 1880,” marking the Jubilee Medal’s creation.

On the back of the Medal of St. Benedict is a Dominant cross with “Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Nunquam draco sit mihi dux!” on its arms. That translates to mean “May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my guide!”. On the back there is also the letters “C S P B” in angles, “pax” above the cross, and in the margin are the letters “V R S N S M V – S M Q L I V B”. This translates to “Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti” (Cross of our Holy Father Benedict), they are also the initials for the St. Benedict “peace,” and “exorcism” prayers.

These elements collectively form a prayer of exorcism against Satan, a petition for strength in temptation, and a guide for living by the Gospel, as detailed by Sisters of Carmel: About the St. Benedict Medal.

Prayers Associated with the Medal

The Saint Benedict medal is not merely a physical object but a conduit for prayer, with its inscriptions representing specific invocations. Below are the prayers in both Latin and English, as extracted from various sources including The Hidden Powers of St. Benedict’s Medal:

CSSML: Crux sacra sit mihi lux (May the holy cross be my light)
NDSMD: Non draco sit mihi dux (May the dragon never be my guide)
VRS: Vade retro Satana (Begone Satan)
NSMV: Nunquam suade mihi vana (Never tempt me with your vanities)
SMQLIVB: Sunt mala quae libas, Ipse venena bibas (What you offer me is evil, drink the poison yourself)

These prayers can be recited individually or as a whole, serving as a form of spiritual armor, and are often emphasized in devotional practices, as seen in an X post by Rev. Vitus, which details their use in exorcism and protection.

Additionally, a traditional prayer to St. Benedict for broader intercession is:

“O glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of all virtues, pure vessel of God’s grace! Behold me, humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thy loving heart to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in all the dangers of my life. Protect me against my enemies, defend me in every temptation, so that I may never again fall into sin. Recommend me by thy prayers to the blessed Virgin Mary, that she may present me to her divine Son as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing unto Him. O glorious St. Benedict, rule over my heart, command me, teach me, guide me. May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may see and do only what is good in the sight of God, shun all that is evil, and gain the grace of a holy death. Amen.”

This prayer, found at Prayers to St. Benedict of Nursia, enhances the medal’s devotional use.

Supposed Benefits of Praying with the Saint Benedict Medal

The Saint Benedict medal is traditionally associated with a range of spiritual benefits, as outlined by The Saint Benedict Medal Explained:

Protection against evil and temptation
Strength in times of spiritual struggle
Aid in preserving purity
Assistance during childbirth
Grace for a happy death
Protection during storms and other dangers
Intercession for the curing of diseases

These benefits are rooted in faith and the intercession of St. Benedict, not in any magical properties, and are seen as graces flowing from a devout use of the medal, often combined with special devotions like the Way of the Cross on Tuesdays, as noted in the National Catholic Register article.

Practical Use and Modern Relevance

There is no prescribed method for using the Saint Benedict medal, allowing for personal devotion. Common practices include wearing it on a chain, attaching it to a rosary, keeping it in a pocket or purse, placing it in cars or homes, and even incorporating it into building foundations, as advised by OSB: The Medal of Saint Benedict. Since a 1959 decree by the Sacred Congregation of Rites, it has been permitted in the Blessing of Saint Maur for the sick, replacing the relic of the True Cross, enhancing its role in sacramental life.

For modern Christians, the medal serves as a reminder of the need to carry one’s cross daily, aligning with St. Benedict’s teachings, and offers a tangible way to seek divine protection in a world often fraught with spiritual challenges. An X post by Rev. Vitus

highlights its contemporary use, encouraging believers to acquire and use it for protection, reflecting its ongoing relevance.

Lessons for Contemporary Faith

In today’s world, where faith can be tested by secular pressures, the Saint Benedict medal reminds us of the power of prayer and the importance of seeking divine protection. It encourages standing firm in beliefs, rejecting temptation, and living lives dedicated to Christ, mirroring St. Benedict’s rule for monastic life as a guide for personal holiness, as discussed in How to Use the Saint Benedict Medal for Protection.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Saint Benedict medal stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the protective grace offered by Catholic sacramentals. Whether worn as a personal devotion or placed in the home, it invites believers to live out their baptismal promises and seek refuge in the cross of Christ. For further insight, consider watching an educational video by Rev. Vitus on X, which provides a detailed explanation of the medal’s significance and use, though the specific URL is not cited here due to its invalid nature.

May the Saint Benedict medal be a source of strength and peace for all who turn to it in faith, and may its legacy continue to inspire modern disciples of Christ.