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Saints and Devotions
The Saint Benedict Medal is one of the most recognizable sacramentals in Catholic tradition.
Its small surface contains an image of Saint Benedict, a prominent cross, several Latin inscriptions, and a prayer rejecting temptation and evil.
For many Catholics, the medal is worn, carried, attached to a rosary, or placed in the home as a reminder to trust in Jesus Christ and remain faithful during spiritual struggle.
However, the Saint Benedict Medal is not a magical charm.
Its meaning and proper use are rooted in prayer, the Cross of Christ, and the intercession of Saint Benedict.
The Clear Meaning
The Saint Benedict Medal is a Catholic sacramental containing symbols and prayers centered on the Cross of Christ. Catholics use it as a visible expression of faith, a rejection of evil, and a reminder to seek God’s protection through prayer.
Who Was Saint Benedict?
Saint Benedict of Nursia was a monk and abbot who lived during the fifth and sixth centuries.
He is best known for writing the Rule of Saint Benedict, a guide for monastic communities built around prayer, humility, obedience, work, hospitality, and life together.
His Rule became one of the most influential foundations of Western monastic life.
Saint Benedict is often associated with the phrase:
Ora et labora
Although this short expression is not a direct quotation from the Rule, it summarizes the Benedictine balance between prayer and daily responsibility.
Saint Benedict is also honored as a patron of Europe and as a spiritual father to generations of Benedictine monks and nuns.
What Is the Saint Benedict Medal?
The Saint Benedict Medal combines devotion to Saint Benedict with faith in the saving Cross of Jesus Christ.
It normally has two sides:
- The front shows Saint Benedict holding a cross and his Rule.
- The reverse places a large cross at the center and surrounds it with abbreviated Latin prayers.
The medal exists in several designs, but the best-known form is the Jubilee Medal created in 1880 to commemorate the traditional 1,400th anniversary of Saint Benedict’s birth.
The precise date when the first Saint Benedict Medal appeared is not known.
A manuscript dated to 1415 and discovered at the Abbey of Metten in Bavaria in 1647 helped explain the meaning of the mysterious letters associated with the medal’s cross.
What Is Shown on the Front of the Medal?
The front of the Jubilee Medal normally shows Saint Benedict standing and holding two important objects.
The Cross
In his right hand, Saint Benedict holds a cross.
The cross is the central Christian symbol of Christ’s sacrifice, victory over sin, and promise of salvation.
Its place in Benedict’s hand reminds the faithful that any spiritual strength associated with the medal comes from Jesus Christ, not from Benedict or the metal object itself.
The Rule of Saint Benedict
In his left hand, Benedict holds his Rule for monasteries.
The Rule represents disciplined Christian living, prayer, humility, obedience, and allowing the Gospel to guide everyday life.
The Poisoned Cup
Near Saint Benedict is a cracked or broken cup.
This refers to a traditional account in which hostile monks attempted to poison him. When Benedict made the Sign of the Cross over the cup, it shattered.
The Raven and Poisoned Bread
On the opposite side is a raven near a loaf of bread.
According to another traditional account, an enemy sent Benedict poisoned bread. A raven carried the bread away after Benedict commanded it to dispose of it safely.
These images express trust in God during danger. They should not be interpreted as guarantees that a person carrying the medal will never experience illness, injury, or hardship.
What Do the Words Around Saint Benedict Mean?
Above the cup and raven normally appear the words:
Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti
Around the outer edge of the medal appears another Latin petition:
Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur
This prayer asks for Saint Benedict’s intercession at the end of life.
It does not suggest that Benedict replaces Jesus Christ. Catholics ask saints to pray for them while placing their hope for salvation in God.
What Is on the Back of the Saint Benedict Medal?
The reverse side is dominated by a large cross.
The letters placed on and around the cross are abbreviations of Latin prayers expressing faith in Christ and rejection of evil.
CSPB
The four letters placed in the corners of the cross are:
C S P B
They stand for:
Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti
CSSML
The vertical letters on the cross are:
C S S M L
They stand for:
Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux
NDSMD
The horizontal letters are:
N D S M D
They stand for:
Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux
The dragon represents Satan, temptation, and the forces that lead people away from God.
What Do the Letters Around the Medal Mean?
Around the outer edge of the reverse side appear two additional groups of initials.
VRSNSMV
These letters stand for:
Vade Retro Satana, Numquam Suade Mihi Vana
SMQLIVB
These letters stand for:
Sunt Mala Quae Libas, Ipse Venena Bibas
Together, these inscriptions form a forceful rejection of temptation and a declaration that the Cross of Christ should guide the Christian life.
PAX
At the top of many Saint Benedict Medals appears the word:
PAX
It means peace and has long been associated with Benedictine spirituality.
Saint Benedict Medal Symbols at a Glance
| Symbol or letters | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cross | Faith in Jesus Christ and His saving sacrifice |
| Rule | Christian discipline and life guided by the Gospel |
| Broken cup | Traditional account of the attempted poisoning of Benedict |
| Raven and bread | Traditional account of poisoned bread being carried away |
| CSPB | The Cross of our holy father Benedict |
| CSSML | May the Holy Cross be my light |
| NDSMD | May the dragon never be my guide |
| VRSNSMV | A rejection of Satan and empty temptation |
| SMQLIVB | A rejection of what is spiritually harmful |
| PAX | Peace |
Does the Saint Benedict Medal Offer Protection?
Catholics commonly associate the Saint Benedict Medal with spiritual protection.
Its prayers reject Satan, temptation, vanity, and evil. Its central image is the Cross of Jesus Christ.
However, the medal should not be understood as an object that produces protection automatically.
Its use is connected with:
- Faith in Jesus Christ
- Prayer
- The rejection of sin and temptation
- The intercession of Saint Benedict
- The blessing and prayer of the Church
- A sincere effort to live according to the Gospel
A person should not believe that wearing the medal guarantees freedom from illness, accidents, spiritual trials, or other suffering.
Rather, it is a visible prayer asking God for protection, courage, peace, and perseverance.
Important Catholic Distinction
Protection comes from God. The Saint Benedict Medal supports faith and prayer, but the metal itself has no independent supernatural power.
Is the Saint Benedict Medal an Exorcism Medal?
The medal contains the initials of a traditional Latin prayer rejecting Satan and temptation.
For this reason, it is often described as containing a prayer of exorcism.
This does not mean that carrying the medal is the same as receiving a formal exorcism.
A solemn exorcism is a specific ministry of the Church performed by an authorized priest under the authority of the local bishop.
The faithful may use the medal’s prayer as a personal expression of faith and resistance to evil, but they should not attempt to perform solemn exorcisms themselves.
Is the Saint Benedict Medal a Sacramental?
A blessed Saint Benedict Medal is a Catholic sacramental.
Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church that prepare believers to receive grace and help sanctify different circumstances of Christian life.
They are not sacraments and do not work automatically.
The spiritual benefit of a sacramental depends upon the prayer of the Church and the faithful disposition of the person using it.
This means the medal should encourage a person to:
- Turn toward God
- Reject sin
- Pray regularly
- Receive the sacraments
- Practice charity
- Live according to the Gospel
Does the Medal Need to Be Blessed?
The medal does not need to be blessed before someone may own, carry, or wear it.
However, Catholics commonly ask a priest or deacon to bless it so that it may be used as a sacramental.
A Saint Benedict Medal may be blessed by any Catholic priest or deacon. The minister does not need to belong to the Benedictine Order.
The blessing dedicates the medal to a sacred purpose and asks God to help those who use it devoutly.
The blessing does not transform the medal into a magical object.
Learn more in our guide: Should You Get Your Rosary Blessed by a Priest?
How Can Catholics Use the Saint Benedict Medal?
There is no single required method.
The medal may be:
- Worn around the neck
- Attached to a rosary
- Carried in a pocket or purse
- Kept near a prayer space
- Placed respectfully in the home
- Kept in a vehicle
- Given as a Catholic gift
The important question is not merely where the medal is placed, but whether it is used with faith, understanding, and reverence.
A medal kept in the home should remind the household to pray and live according to Christian values.
A medal worn around the neck should express devotion rather than superstition or empty fashion.
Why Is the Saint Benedict Medal Included on Rosaries?
Some Catholic rosaries include a Saint Benedict Medal as the centerpiece, on the crucifix, or as an additional medal.
The medal does not change the structure or prayers of the Rosary.
Instead, it adds a devotional reminder of:
- The Cross of Christ
- Resistance to temptation
- Prayer and discipline
- Saint Benedict’s intercession
- Peace and perseverance
During the Rosary, the mysteries remain focused on the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Saint Benedict Medal supports that Christ-centered prayer rather than replacing it.
Explore our Saint Benedict Rosaries.
A Prayer Inspired by the Saint Benedict Medal
Lord Jesus Christ, may Your Holy Cross be my light and guide. Protect me from temptation, pride, fear, and everything that draws me away from You. Through the intercession of Saint Benedict, give me wisdom, humility, courage, and peace. Help me reject evil, remain faithful to the Gospel, and trust in Your mercy throughout every trial. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Saint Benedict Medal protect against?
Catholics use it as a prayer for God’s protection during temptation, spiritual struggle, fear, and danger. It does not guarantee that no harm or difficulty will occur.
Is the Saint Benedict Medal powerful?
The medal has no independent power. Its spiritual significance comes from the Cross of Christ, the prayers it represents, the blessing of the Church, and the faith of the person using it.
Can anyone wear a Saint Benedict Medal?
Yes. A person may wear or carry it respectfully, although Catholics should understand its Christian meaning and avoid treating it as a charm.
Does a Saint Benedict Medal have to be blessed by a Benedictine priest?
No. Any Catholic priest or deacon may legitimately bless the medal.
Can the medal be attached to a rosary?
Yes. It may serve as the centerpiece or be attached as an additional devotional medal.
What does PAX mean on the medal?
PAX is the Latin word for peace and is closely associated with Benedictine spirituality.
What does Vade Retro Satana mean?
It means “Begone, Satan” and forms part of the Latin prayer rejecting Satan and temptation.
Is the Saint Benedict Medal a good Catholic gift?
Yes. It may be meaningful for Baptism, Confirmation, travel, military or emergency service, a new home, or someone seeking a stronger prayer life.
Final Thoughts
The Saint Benedict Medal contains an extraordinary amount of Christian meaning in a small object.
Its images recall the life of Saint Benedict.
Its inscriptions reject temptation and evil.
Its cross directs the believer toward Jesus Christ.
Used properly, the medal is not a charm or guarantee of an easy life.
It is a visible prayer and a call to live with courage, discipline, humility, and trust in God.
Its central message can be summarized in one prayer:
May the Holy Cross be my light.
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Explore Saint Benedict Rosaries
Discover Catholic rosaries featuring the Saint Benedict Medal, created for prayer, reflection, and meaningful devotional gifts.
