Saint Benedict Medal

The two sides of a Saint Benedict Medal

The Saint Benedict Medal is a Christian sacramental medal containing symbols and text related to the life of Saint Benedict of Nursia, used by Roman Catholics, as well as Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and the Western Orthodox, in the Benedictine Christian tradition, especially votarists and oblates.[1][2]

The medal is one of the oldest and most honored medals used by Christians and, due to the belief in its power against evil, is also known as the "devil-chasing medal".[3] As early as the 11th century, it may have initially had the form of Saint Benedict's cross, and was used by Pope Leo IX.[3]

The reverse side of the medal carries the Vade retro satana ("Begone, Satan!")[4] formula which has been used by Christians to ward off evil since the 15th century.[5] Sometimes carried as part of the rosary, it is also found individually.

In widespread use after its formal approval by Pope Benedict XIV in the 18th century, the medal is used by Roman Catholics to ward off spiritual and physical dangers, especially those related to evil, poison, and temptation.[2][3]

History

The exact time and date of the making of the first Saint Benedict Medal are not clear. It is likely that it may have initially had the form of a cross.[3] Catholic tradition holds that as a young Benedictine, the future Pope Leo IX, attributed his recovery from a snake bite to that cross.[3] After becoming pope in 1049, Leo IX enriched the St. Benedict cross to the form of a medal, and gave it blessings and indulgences.[3]

Saint Vincent de Paul, who died in 1660, appears to have been acquainted with the Medal and the Sisters of Charity founded by him have worn it attached to their rosary beads.[6]

Traditional, original design of the medal

The medal was formally approved by Pope Benedict XIV in 1741.[3] The medal in its traditional design was in use for many decades[7] and is in use also today.[8]

A Jubilee medal by the monk Desiderius Lenz, of the Beuron Art School, made for the 1400th anniversary of the birth of St. Benedict in 1880

Then the Jubilee medal was struck in 1880, in remembrance of the 1400th anniversary of St. Benedict’s birth. The initials of the Vade retro satana formula have been found on Saint Benedict Medals at least since 1780.[9] The letters found on the back of the medal, had remained a mystery until they were related to a manuscript dating back to 1415, found at Metten Abbey in Bavaria in 1647. The manuscript contains the first recorded use of the exorcism formula Vade retro satana ("Step back, Satan"), and the letters were found to correspond to this phrase.[3][5]

The medal’s symbolism

Saint Benedict Medal, front.

On the front of the medal is Saint Benedict holding a cross in his right hand, the object of his devotion, and in the left his rule for monasteries.[3] In the back is a poisoned cup, in reference to the legend of Benedict, which explains that hostile monks attempted to poison him: the cup containing poisoned wine shattered when the saint made the sign of the cross over it (and a raven carried away a poisoned loaf of bread). Above the cup are the words Crux sancti patris Benedicti ("The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict"). Surrounding the figure of Saint Benedict are the words Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur! ("May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death"), since he was always regarded by the Benedictines as the patron of a happy death.[3][10]

On the back is a cross, containing the letters C S S M L - N D S M D, initials of the words Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Non [Nunquam?] draco sit mihi dux! ("May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my overlord!").[3] The large C S P B stand for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti ("The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict"). Surrounding the back of the medal are the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B, in reference to Vade retro satana: Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas! ("Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!") and finally, located at the top is the word PAX which means "peace".[3][10]

Saint Benedict Medal, back.
Latin AbbreviationLatin TextEnglish TextLocation
PAXPAXPeaceTop
C S P BCrux Sancti Patris BenedictiThe Cross of [our] Holy Father BenedictFour quadrants made by centre cross
C S S M LCrux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux!May the holy cross be my light!Center cross, vertical bar
N D S M DNon [Nunquam?] Draco Sit Mihi Dux!"May the dragon never be my overlord!"
"Let the devil not be my leader."		Center cross, horizontal bar
V R SVade Retro Satana!"Begone satan!"
"Get behind me satan"		Clockwise around disk
N S M VNunquam Suade Mihi Vana!"Never tempt me with your vanities!"
"Don't persuade me of wicked things."		Clockwise around disk
S M Q LSunt Mala Quae Libas."What you offer me is evil."
"What you are showing me is bad."		Clockwise around disk
I V BIpse venena bibas!"Drink the poison yourself!"
"Drink your poisons yourself."		Clockwise around disk

Use of the medal

Lay Anglicans, Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, among Christians of other denominations are not permitted to perform exorcisms,[11][12] but they can use the Saint Benedict Medal, holy water, the crucifix, and other sacramentals to ward off evil. The Saint Benedict Medal in the middle of a Celtic Cross is believed to be a powerful tool against evil influences.[1][2]

This medal is used in numerous ways:

  • on a chain around the neck;
  • attached to one's rosary;
  • kept in one's pocket or purse;
  • placed in one's car or home;
  • placed in the foundation of a building;
  • placed in the centre of a cross.

The use of any religious article is intended as a means of reminding one of God and of inspiring a willingness and desire to serve God and neighbour.[13] According to H. C. Lea (1896), "As a rule...it suffices to wear [the medal] devoutly, but, if some special favor is desired, it is advisable on a Tuesday to say five Glorias, three Aves and then three more Glorias to secure the protection of St. Benedict."[14]

It is effective in many ways:

  • to destroy witchcraft and all other diabolical and haunting influences;
  • to impart protection to persons tempted, deluded, or tormented by evil spirits;
  • to obtain the conversion of sinners to the Catholic Church, especially when they are in danger of death;
  • to serve as an armour against temptation;
  • to destroy the effects of poison;
  • to secure a timely and healthy birth for children;
  • to afford protection against storms and lightning;
  • to serve as an efficacious remedy for bodily afflictions and a means of protection against contagious diseases.

Blessing of the medal

Medals of Saint Benedict are sacramentals that may be blessed legitimately by any priest or deacon, not necessarily a Benedictine.[1][15]

The following English form may be used:[16]

A Dominican rosary with a St. Benedict medal placed in the center of the cross

The medal is then sprinkled with holy water.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Catholic Saints Prayer Book by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle 2008 ISBN 1-59276-285-9 pages 18-19
  2. 1 2 3 The Medal or Cross of St. Benedict by Prosper Gueranger ISBN 1-930278-21-7 pages viii and 51
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Ann Ball, 2003 Encyclopedia of Catholic Devotions and Practices ISBN 0-87973-910-X pages 350-351
  4. ↑ "The Medal or Cross of St. Benedict" by Dom. Prosper Guéranger, OSB
  5. 1 2 "Catholic encyclopedia".
  6. ↑ "The Medal of Benedict, 2/8, by Fr. Bernardine Patterson OSB, Monk of Collegeville". www.osb.org. Retrieved 2018-08-05.
  7. ↑ "The Medal or Cross of St Benedict". www.liturgialatina.org. Retrieved 2018-08-05.
  8. ↑ "Medalik Krzyż św. Benedykta: Wprowadzenie". Medalik Krzyż św. Benedykta. Retrieved 2018-08-05.
  9. ↑ Journal of the British Archaeological Association, 1858, page 280
  10. 1 2 Judith Sutera, 1997, The Work of God: Benedictine Prayer Published by Liturgical Press ISBN 0-8146-2431-6 page 109
  11. ↑ Poulisse, Adam (14 October 2012). "Real-life exorcisms do occur, and can even happen in Berkshires - Berkshire Eagle Online". The Berkshire Eagle. Retrieved 6 April 2015. According to the Episcopal Rite of Exorcism, the ritual is "the practice of expelling evil spirits by means of prayer and set formulas [and] derives its authority from the Lord himself who identified these acts of his messiahship." Just as in the church's earlier days, exorcism is reserved only for the bishop, who can delegate the rite to others deemed competent.
  12. ↑ The Methodist Conference - Friday 25th June, 1976 (Preston). The Methodist Church of Great Britain. The form of any service of healing for those believed to be possessed should be considered in consultation with the ministerial staff of the circuit (or in one-minister circuits with those whom the Chairman of the District suggests). |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  13. ↑ "OSB. The Medal of Saint Benedict, information, description, history, effects, and suppliers". www.osb.org. Retrieved 2018-08-05.
  14. ↑ Lea, Henry Charles (1896) A History of Auricular Confession and Indulgences in the Latin Church; Volume III: Indulgences. Philadelphia: Lea Brothers & Co. Reprinted 2002, Adamant Media Corp. ISBN 1-4021-6108-5
  15. ↑ Instr., 26 Sept. 1964; Can. 1168
  16. ↑ "OSB. The Medal of Saint Benedict, information, description, history, effects, and suppliers". www.osb.org. Retrieved 2018-08-05.
  •  Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Medal of Saint Benedict". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.
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