The Meaning of the St. Benedict Medal: Every Symbol Explained
For over a thousand years, Christians have carried one small medal into the darkest moments of their lives. Soldiers wore it into battle. Mothers pressed it into the hands of their children. Monks buried it in the foundations of their monasteries. This is the St. Benedict medal, and almost every letter on it is a hidden prayer.
If you have ever held one and wondered what the strange letters mean, this guide will walk you through every symbol.
Who Was St. Benedict?
St. Benedict of Nursia was born around 480 AD in Italy. He left a life of comfort in Rome to live as a hermit in a cave at Subiaco, and he went on to found the monastery of Monte Cassino and write the Rule of St. Benedict, the foundation of Western monasticism.
Benedict became known for one thing above all: spiritual warfare. Ancient accounts tell of repeated attempts on his life. A poisoned cup of wine shattered when he blessed it with the sign of the cross. A poisoned loaf of bread was carried away by a raven at his command. This is why the medal bearing his name became known as a medal of protection against evil.
The Front of the Medal: Benedict Holding the Cross
The front shows St. Benedict holding a cross in one hand and his Rule in the other. Beside him are the two symbols of the assassination attempts he survived: the broken cup and the raven carrying away the bread.
Around the edge runs a Latin inscription: Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur, which means "May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death." Benedict is the patron of a happy death, because he died standing in prayer, supported by his brothers, with his hands raised to heaven.
The Back of the Medal: A Prayer in Code
This is the part most people ask about. The back of the medal is covered in single letters, and each one stands for a word in a Latin prayer of protection.
The letters on the cross
On the vertical beam: C S S M L stands for Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux, "May the Holy Cross be my light."
On the horizontal beam: N D S M D stands for Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux, "Let not the dragon be my guide."
The letters in the corners
In the four corners around the cross: C S P B, which stands for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti, "The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict."
The letters around the rim
Around the outer edge: V R S N S M V, S M Q L I V B. This is the famous exorcism prayer:
Vade retro Satana, nunquam suade mihi vana. Sunt mala quae libas, ipse venena bibas.
In English: "Begone, Satan, never tempt me with your vanities. What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself."
Above the cross you will usually find the word PAX, meaning "Peace," the motto of the Benedictine order.
What Is the Medal Used For?
The Church has long associated the St. Benedict medal with protection: against evil and temptation, during travel, in times of illness, and at the hour of death. Many believers place it above the doors of their homes, wear it around the neck, or keep it with them daily as a constant, silent prayer.
It is important to say this clearly: the medal is not a charm and it has no power of its own. Its strength comes from the faith of the one who carries it, the prayers it represents, and the blessing of God it points toward.
The St. Benedict Crucifix: The Medal and the Cross United
The most complete form of this devotion is the St. Benedict crucifix, where the medal is set into the center of the cross itself. The crucifix carries the image of Christ's sacrifice, and the medal carries the ancient prayer of protection. Together they form what many consider the most powerful sacramental in the Christian home.
At Cross Culture, our St. Benedict Crucifix is hand carved from solid wood by trusted artisan partners overseas, with the medal set at the heart of the cross. Many of our customers hang it above the entrance of their home or in the bedroom, continuing a tradition that is older than most nations on earth.
How to Use a St. Benedict Medal or Crucifix
There is no single required way, but these are the most common traditions:
Above the door of the home, asking God's protection over everyone who enters. Worn on the body, as a daily reminder to walk in the light of the Cross. In the bedroom, where generations of Christians have placed it for peaceful rest. Given as a gift at baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and housewarmings.
Catholics traditionally have the medal or crucifix blessed by a priest, which sets it apart for sacred use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the St. Benedict medal protect against?
Tradition holds that it is a prayer for protection against evil, temptation, and spiritual harm, and a request for God's grace at the hour of death.
Can non-Catholics wear the St. Benedict medal?
Yes. Any Christian who reveres the Cross and desires God's protection can carry it. The prayer inscribed on it belongs to every believer.
Does the medal need to be blessed?
A blessing is traditional in the Catholic Church and any priest can do it. The medal itself is a sign that points to God; the blessing dedicates it to that purpose.
Where should I hang a St. Benedict crucifix in my home?
The most common places are above the main entrance, in the living room as the heart of the home, or above the bed.
May the Holy Cross be your light.
Explore the hand carved St. Benedict Crucifix collection at Cross Culture.
