Description

SAINT BENEDICT MEDALLION IN ENAMELED METAL

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 Saint 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 "to walk in the ways of God, with the Gospel as a guide". On the pedestal to the right of Saint Benedict is a poisoned cup, which shattered when the Saint made the sign of the cross. On the pedestal to the left is a crow that is about to take away some poisoned bread that an envious monk had brought to Saint Benedict.

Above the cup and the crow are 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.