The story of St. Benedict, his Cross & Medal

St. Benedict was born in Italy in 480, and passed away in 547. During his life, St. Benedict was known to perform many miracles. He had an extremely strong devotion to the Crucifix, and worked many miracles with The Sign of The Cross.

One such miracle took place when one of St. Benedict’s friends broke an earthenware cup that belonged to him. St. Benedict’s friend was extremely upset with herself. St. Benedict did not want to see his friend so upset over a broken cup. In an effort to make her feel better, he made The Sign of The Cross over the cup. As he did so, the pieces of the cup came back together, and the cup looked as if it had never been broken.

As Saint Benedict spread the Word of Christ, he began to draw many followers. At the same time, evil attempted to work against him. A group of people who disagreed with Saint Benedict’s message decided to try and kill him by poisoning his wine. As St. Benedict blessed his meal and made The Sign of The Cross over the wine, the cup shattered. Saint Benedict performed many other miracles throughout his life; these miracles are attributed to his faith in The Crucifix.

On the front of the medal is the image of St. Benedict. He is holding a cross in his right hand, and his “Rule” in his left hand.

On the right side of St. Benedict is the poisoned cup, which shattered when he made The Sign of The Cross over it. On the left is a raven that is about to carry away a loaf of poisoned bread that St. Benedict’s enemies had given to him.

Circling the outside of the medical are the Latin words “Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!” In English, this means May we be strengthened by His presence in the hour of our death.

Below Saint Benedict, in Latin, reads "ex SM Casino MDCCCLXXX" which means from Holy Monte Cassino, 1880 This medal was first made in 1880, to commemorate the 1400th anniversary of St. Benedict’s birth.

On the back of the medal, the letters “C.S.P.B.” stand for the Latin words “Crux s. patris Benedicti”. In English, this translates to The Cross of our holy father Benedict.

On the back of the medal is a cross. The letters “C S S M L” are the first letters of a Latin poem of Exorcism against Satan - “Begone, Satan! do not tempt me with your vanities. What you offer me is evil. Drink the poisoned cup yourself!.”

On the arms of the cross are the first letters of a Latin prayer, “N D M D”. The prayer in English is this: “May the holy cross be my light!  Do not let the dragon ever be my guide.”

The Cross of St. Benedict can either be carried in your pocket or worn around your neck. It is often placed in the foundations of buildings or put in cars to call down God’s blessing and the protection of St. Benedict. There is no particular prayer that goes along with the cross. A person who wears or carries the cross all the time, and has faith and belief in its powers, is a continual silent prayer.

The value and power of the Medal must be credited to Jesus Christ, Crucified, to the effective prayers of St. Benedict, to the blessing of the Church, and especially to the faith of the person holding the Medal.

This is a list of some of the religious uses of the Medal of Saint Benedict:

1. To protect the body and soul from all dangers coming from the devil.
2. Protection and aid for people tormented by the evil spirit, and in being tempted to sin.
3. Assistance in the hour of death.
4. A remedy for physical suffering; protection against contagious disease.
5. Expectant mothers have received special assistance for a safe birth of their baby.
6. Protection in times of storms and other dangers.
7. Domestic animals have been aided by the Medal when suffering from a disease.