The St. Benedict Medal Explained
What is the St. Benedict Medal and why is it called the “devil-chasing medal”?
The St. Benedict Medal is one of the oldest and most revered medals used by the Church. It is engraved with symbols representing St. Benedict on the front, and a cross with initials of a Latin prayer of exorcism on the back.
During his life, St. Benedict performed many miracles by the power of God, often driving out the devil through the instrument of the cross. As many physical and spiritual miracles have been attributed to the devout use of the St. Benedict Medal, it is often called the “devil-chasing medal” (Ball, Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals, 1991).
Though lay people may not conduct exorcisms, they are permitted to use the St. Benedict Medal as a means of protection against evil, trusting in the power of God through the intercession of the Church.
A Proper Disposition of Faith and Devotion
The St. Benedict Medal is a sacramental of the Church, meaning its power comes forth from the merits of Jesus Christ, from the prayers of St. Benedict, from the blessing of the Church, and from the faithful interior disposition of those who use it. It should be used with faith in Christ, trusting in the prayers of St. Benedict and the power of God, not regarded superstitiously (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2111).
History of the St. Benedict Medal
According to tradition, when Pope St. Leo IX was a young boy, he was bitten by a snake, became very ill and was near death. As he lay dying, St. Benedict appeared to him and touched his wounds with a cross, instantly curing him. When he later became Pope, he redesigned the St. Benedict Cross/Medal and attributed to it blessings and indulgences.
St. Vincent de Paul also had a strong devotion to the St. Benedict Medal and requested the Sisters of Charity to attach it to their rosary beads – a practice which remains common today.
In 1742, Pope Benedict XIV solemnly approved and recommended the use of the St. Benedict Medal to the faithful.
A Jubilee Medal of St. Benedict
The St. Benedict Medal most commonly used today is called the “Jubilee Medal of St. Benedict”, which was commissioned by monks of Monte Cassino, Italy in the year 1880 to celebrate the 1400th anniversary of St. Benedict’s birth. This Jubilee St. Benedict Medal has all the features and symbols traditionally associated with the St. Benedict Medal.
What do the symbols on the St. Benedict Medal mean?
ON THE FRONT:
St. Benedict – The image of St. Benedict appears in the center of the medal, representing the great and holy “father of western monasticism”. His image reminds us to imitate his virtues.
Cross – St. Benedict holds a cross in his right hand, symbolizing Christ and the saving power of the cross. The cross also signifies the evangelization of the Benedictines throughout the centuries and the many miracles St. Benedict performed through the power of the cross.
Cup – To the right of St. Benedict appears a broken cup, symbolizing the miracle in which rebellious monks tried to poison St. Benedict, but were thwarted when he made the sign of the cross over the cup, instantly shattering it.
Raven – To the left of St. Benedict, a raven holds a poisoned piece of bread, signifying another miraculous intervention which saved St. Benedict’s life.
Rule - In his left hand, St. Benedict holds the rule he wrote which guided life in the monasteries he founded, and inspired monastic life all over the western world.
C.S.P.B. – On the front of the medal appear the Latin words, “Crux s. patris Benedicti” which mean “The Cross of our holy father Benedict”. Encircling St. Benedict around the edge of the medal are the Latin words, “Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!”, which mean, “May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death!”
EX SM CASINO MDCCCLXX - Beneath St. Benedict’s feet are inscribed these letters which mean, “From the holy Monte Cassino, 1880”, indicating the place and year this Jubilee Medal was commissioned by the Abbot of Monte Cassino in 1880 commemorating the 1400th anniversary of St. Benedict’s birth.
ON THE BACK:
Cross – The main symbol on the back of the medal is a large cross, symbolizing Jesus Christ, His sacrifice on Calvary, and all the power, graces and salvific effects which flow from His sacrifice.
C.S.P.B. – In the cross’ four sides appear initials for the Latin “Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti” which mean “Cross of the Holy Father Benedict”.
C.S.S.M.L. – In the vertical line of the cross appear initials for the Latin “Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux” which mean “May the Holy Cross be my light”.
N.D.S.M.D. – In the horizontal line of the cross appear initials for the Latin “Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux” which mean “May the devil not be my guide”.
Encircling the cross along the border, beginning at the top and reading clockwise are initials of the Latin exorcism prayer:
V.R.S. – “Vade Retro Satana” which mean "Begone, Satan”
N.S.M.V. – “Non Suade Mihi Vana” which mean "Do not suggest to me vain things"
S.M.Q.L. – “Sunt Mala Quae Libas” which mean "What you offer is evil”
I.V.B. – “Ipse Venena Bibas” which mean "Drink your own poison"
PAX – “PAX” which means “Peace”
In its entirety the prayer reads: “May the Holy Cross be my light, and may the devil not be my guide. Begone, Satan. Do not suggest to me vain things. What you offer is evil. Drink your own poison. Peace."
How to Use the St. Benedict Medal
The St. Benedict Medal may be worn around one’s neck, attached to a rosary or scapular, or carried on one’s person. It is sometimes placed in fields, foundations of buildings, or attached to cars, asking God’s blessing and protection and the prayers of St. Benedict. Carrying or wearing this medal is a reminder to imitate St. Benedict’s virtues and trust in the providence and protection of God. It is an outward sign of one’s inward disposition of prayer, trust in God, and charity.
As recommended by St. Vincent de Paul who had a strong devotion to the St. Benedict Medal and requested his Sisters of Charity attach it to their rosary beads, the St. Benedict Medal is attached to all Combat Rosaries™ produced through Roman Catholic Gear.
Arm yourself with the St. Benedict Medal, included on the adjustable and durable paracord Monk Bracelet, and call on the aid of St. Benedict as you battle the world, the flesh and the devil in your daily life.