The History of the Saint Benedict Medal
Origins
The Saint Benedict Medal is one of the oldest and most honored medals due to its association with Saint Benedict of Nursia, the founder of Benedictine monasticism. The medal's origins trace back to the 11th century, though its current form was standardized in 1880 by Pope Leo XIII, who approved its design and inscriptions. The medal is renowned for its spiritual power, especially for protection against evil and temptation.
Symbolism
The Saint Benedict Medal is rich in Christian symbolism, featuring both the image of Saint Benedict and a variety of inscriptions with deep spiritual meanings:
The Front Side: Depicts Saint Benedict holding a cross in one hand and his Rule for Monasteries in the other. Around the edge, the Latin words "Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur" ("May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death") can often be found. The cup and the raven, symbols from episodes in Benedict's life representing his miraculous escapes from attempts on his life, are also featured.
The Reverse Side: Contains a cross with the letters C S S M L - N D S M D, which stand for "Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Non draco sit mihi dux!" ("The Holy Cross be my light; let not the dragon be my guide!"). The margins often bear the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B, abbreviating the exorcism prayer "Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas!" ("Begone, Satan, do not suggest to me thy vanities! Evil are the things thou profferest, drink thou thy own poison!"). Additionally, the top of the medal usually has the word "Pax" or "Peace".
Power and Prayer
The power of the Saint Benedict Medal is believed to lie in its exorcism against evil, protection against demonic influence, and aid in the cause of conversion and fidelity to Christ. The prayer most associated with the medal is the exorcism prayer inscribed on its back, invoking Saint Benedict's protection and the power of the cross against evil.
Prayer to St. Benedict
Admirable Saint and Doctor of Humility, you practiced what you taught, assiduously praying for God's glory and lovingly fulfilling all work for God and the benefit of all human beings. You know the many physical dangers that surround us today often caused or occasioned by human inventions. Guard us against poisoning of the body as well as of mind and soul, and thus be truly a "Blessed" one for us.
Amen.
Wearing the Saint Benedict Medal: A Step-by-Step Guide
Obtain the Medal: The medal can be acquired through Catholic religious goods stores or online.
Have It Blessed: To enhance its spiritual efficacy, have the medal blessed by a Catholic priest. The blessing invokes the protection and intercession of Saint Benedict.
Wear It With Faith: Attach the medal to a chain or cord and wear it around your neck, or carry it with you in a pocket or purse. The key is to wear it as a sign of your faith in God's protection and the intercessory power of Saint Benedict.
Pray Daily: Incorporate the exorcism prayer inscribed on the medal into your daily prayer routine, asking for Saint Benedict’s protection and intercession.
Live a Christian Life: The medal is a reminder to live according to the teachings of Christ and the Rule of Saint Benedict, emphasizing prayer, work, and devotion to God.
Use It as a Means of Evangelization: Share the story and significance of the Saint Benedict Medal with others, using it as a tool for evangelization and to spread devotion to Saint Benedict.
Conclusion
The Saint Benedict Medal serves as a tangible expression of faith and a powerful tool for spiritual protection. Its rich symbolism and associated prayers remind the faithful of the presence and power of God and the intercession of the saints in our daily struggles against evil. By wearing the medal with faith and devotion, believers can draw closer to God and experience His protective grace in their lives.
The Saint Benedict Medal is renowned for its spiritual efficacy, particularly in protection against demonic influence and temptation. Over the years, many faithful have attributed miracles and powerful protections to the intercession of Saint Benedict through this medal. While specific miracles associated with the Saint Benedict Medal are often shared through personal testimonies and the annals of Benedictine communities, here are some examples that highlight the medal's reputed power:
1. Protection from Poison
One of the most famous miracles attributed to Saint Benedict during his lifetime, which is also reflected in the symbolism of the medal, involves protection from poison. According to his biographies, attempts were made on Benedict's life by poisoning his food and drink. Miraculously, he was unharmed, which was attributed to his faith and the power of the cross—a symbol prominently featured on the medal. This story has led believers to see the medal as a source of protection against physical and spiritual poisoning.
2. Deliverance from Temptation
Many wearers of the Saint Benedict Medal have reported experiencing a profound sense of peace and deliverance from temptations, particularly those related to vice and sin. The medal is often used by individuals struggling with temptations or those working in environments hostile to their faith, who then experience a strengthening of their resolve and protection in their spiritual battles.
3. Healing and Protection from Illness
There are accounts where individuals suffering from various illnesses have found healing after using the Saint Benedict Medal, especially when medical solutions seemed insufficient. These testimonies often involve the faithful praying for Saint Benedict’s intercession while using the medal, leading to recoveries deemed inexplicable by medical professionals.
4. Safety in Travel and Storms
Travelers and those facing severe storms have reported calling upon Saint Benedict's protection through the medal and experiencing miraculous safety and calm. Stories include surviving car accidents unscathed, protection during natural disasters, and safe travels in dangerous conditions.
5. Exorcisms and Deliverance from Evil Spirits
The exorcism prayer inscribed on the medal and its association with Saint Benedict's power over evil spirits have made it a valuable tool in exorcisms and deliverance prayers. There are numerous accounts of its effectiveness in providing relief to those oppressed by demonic influences, with exorcists sometimes specifically employing the medal in their rites.
Conclusion
The miracles and protections attributed to the Saint Benedict Medal underscore its significance as a sacramental of the Church, believed to draw its power not from the object itself but from the faith of the wearer and the intercession of the saints. These stories of faith highlight the medal's role in the spiritual life of believers, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of Saint Benedict's intercession and the power of prayer.