Description

Crucifix of St. Benedict in Olive Wood

St. Benedict's Crucifix made of fine domestic Olive wood, with body and medal of the saint made of silver-plated metal, finely crafted and with attention to detail. Being a handcrafted product, the color of the wood may vary slightly depending on the cut. A distinctive feature of this crucifix with base is the medal.

The design for this medal was made in Beuron, Germany, in the Archabbey of St. Martin, at the request of the prior of Montecassino, the Most Reverend Boniface Krug OSB (1838-1900).

On the face of the medal is the image of St. Benedict. In his right hand he holds the cross, a Christian symbol of salvation. In his left hand is the Rule summarized in the words of the Prologue “walking in the ways of God, with the Gospel as your guide.” On the pedestal to St. Benedict's right is a poisoned cup, shattered when the saint made the sign of the cross. On the pedestal to the left is a raven about to carry away poisoned bread Above the cup and the raven read the Latin words: Holy Father Benedict's Cross (The cross of our Holy Father Benedict). On the edge of the medal are the Latin words: Eius in obitu our praesentia muniamur!  (May we be strengthened by his presence at the hour of our death!)

The Benedictines, in fact, have always considered Saint Benedict as a special Patron of a peaceful death. At the feet of Benedict the inscription: ex SM Casino MDCCCLXXX (from the Holy Monte Cassino 1880).

On the reverse of the medal, the cross is dominant. On the arms are the initial letters of a Latin prayer: Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Nunquam draco sit mihi dux! (May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my guide!). Above the cross is the word pax (peace).

Saint Benedict is the patron saint of Europe and protector of all exorcists, and this cross keeps away the evil eye, spells and all those evil things that come from evil and the devil.

There is no special way to carry or wear the medal of St. Benedict. The purpose of wearing it is to invoke God's blessing and protection upon us, through the intercession of St. Benedict. The medal can be considered a silent prayer, but also an exorcism against Satan, a prayer for strength to overcome temptation and for peace, a prayer, finally, that the Cross of Christ be our light and guide.