By Brigetta Margarietta
The Life of St. Benedict
St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–547 AD) is often called the “Father of Western Monasticism.” Born in central Italy during a time of political unrest following the collapse of the Roman Empire, Benedict sought a life apart from the corruption of society. He withdrew into a cave near Subiaco, where he lived as a hermit in prayer and solitude. Over time, disciples gathered around him, drawn by his holiness, wisdom, and balance of life.
Eventually, Benedict founded the monastery at Monte Cassino, where he wrote his famous Rule of St. Benedict. This Rule provided guidelines for monastic life emphasizing prayer, work, humility, and community living. The motto “Ora et Labora” — Pray and Work — continues to inspire Catholics today.
Pope St. Gregory the Great later wrote, “Benedict of blessed memory shone on this earth with the brightness of holiness” (Dialogues, Book II). His life remains a beacon of spiritual stability and devotion, calling the faithful to put God above all else.
The Founding of the Benedictine Order
The Benedictine Order was not a “formal order” in the modern sense, but rather a spiritual family bound together by St. Benedict’s Rule. It spread quickly throughout Europe because it offered a balanced, humane approach to holiness. The monks were not only men of prayer but also builders, farmers, healers, and educators.
Benedict’s vision created a legacy that shaped Christian civilization. His communities became centers of faith, learning, and culture in the Dark Ages. Today, Benedictine monasteries and convents continue his mission of living prayerfully, working diligently, and welcoming strangers as Christ Himself (Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 53).
The Saint Benedict Medal: Origins and Meaning
The Saint Benedict Medal is one of the most beloved sacramentals in the Catholic Church. Its origin dates back centuries, though its exact beginnings are somewhat mysterious. By the 17th century, Benedictines had standardized the medal with the well-known design that Catholics recognize today.
Key Features of the Medal
- Front: St. Benedict is depicted holding the cross in one hand and his Rule in the other. At his feet is a poisoned cup, representing a failed attempt on his life, and a raven carrying away poisoned bread. The Latin inscription Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur means: “May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death.”
- Back: The cross dominates, surrounded by the initials of a Latin prayer of exorcism:
- C.S.S.M.L. — Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux (May the Holy Cross be my light)
- N.D.S.M.D. — Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux (Let not the dragon be my guide)
- V.R.S. and S.M.Q.L. — Vade Retro Satana; Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana (Begone Satan! Do not suggest vain things to me)
- I.V.B. — Ipsa Venena Bibas (Drink your own poison)
This powerful imagery reflects St. Benedict’s role as a protector against evil, temptation, and spiritual harm. The medal is not “magical,” but rather a prayer of faith in Christ, invoking St. Benedict’s intercession.
Why Catholics Wear the Saint Benedict Medal
Catholics wear or carry the medal for spiritual protection and encouragement. It is often placed in homes, vehicles, or even buried in foundations to ask for God’s blessing and defense.
Spiritual Benefits
- Protection against evil: The medal is sometimes called a “spiritual shield” because of its exorcistic inscriptions.
- Reminder of faith: Like a crucifix or rosary, the medal helps Catholics stay mindful of Christ’s presence in daily life.
- Blessing at death: The prayer inscribed asks for St. Benedict’s presence at the hour of death, bringing hope of eternal life.
As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:
“Sacramentals are sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual kind, which are obtained through the Church’s intercession” (CCC 1667).
Thus, the medal strengthens faith by reminding us of God’s protection, not by superstition, but by grace and prayer.
Expert Perspectives on the Medal’s Power
Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, explains:
“The Saint Benedict Medal is a visible sign of invisible grace. It reminds us that through Christ’s cross, Satan is defeated. The medal is like wearing a banner of victory.” (Champions of the Rosary, Marian Press).
Benedictine monk Dom Prosper Guéranger wrote:
“The medal is a silent prayer and a constant exorcism, helping Christians resist the snares of the evil one.”
These voices affirm that the medal is not a superstition, but a tool of faith, entrusted to the Church for the spiritual good of the faithful.
Living the Spirit of St. Benedict Today
Wearing the medal is only part of following St. Benedict’s legacy. His Rule calls us to a balanced life where prayer, work, and community come together in Christ. Catholics today can embrace Benedictine spirituality by:
- Setting aside time daily for prayer and Scripture.
- Working diligently and offering each task to God.
- Practicing hospitality with family, neighbors, and strangers.
- Seeking peace in humility and obedience to God’s will.
St. Benedict’s wisdom is timeless. In a noisy and divided world, his spirituality reminds us that peace is found in Christ alone.
A Word of Encouragement
If you wear the Saint Benedict Medal, wear it with faith and devotion, not fear. Let it remind you of Christ’s victory over sin and death. Let it inspire you to live with courage, charity, and humility, just as St. Benedict taught.
As St. Benedict himself promised in his Rule:
“Let them prefer nothing whatever to Christ, and may He bring us all together to everlasting life.” (Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 72)
The life of St. Benedict and the Saint Benedict Medal stand as powerful reminders of God’s protection and grace. From his humble beginnings as a hermit to founding a spiritual movement that shaped Western Christianity, St. Benedict’s legacy continues to guide us.
The medal, blessed by the Church, is a visible prayer — a shield of faith that encourages Catholics to resist temptation, live with peace, and trust in Christ’s cross. May every faithful heart take courage in St. Benedict’s intercession and walk in confidence that God’s light always conquers darkness.
Bibliography
- Catechism of the Catholic Church. Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1993.
- Gregory the Great. Dialogues. Book II, on the Life and Miracles of St. Benedict.
- Guéranger, Dom Prosper. The Medal or Cross of St. Benedict. Abbey of Solesmes, 1880.
- Calloway, Donald H., MIC. Champions of the Rosary. Marian Press, 2016.
- The Rule of St. Benedict. Translated by Timothy Fry, OSB. Liturgical Press, 1981.
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