Saint Benedict
Celebrated: July 11th
Benedict of Norcia (Norcia, 2 March 480 – Montecassino, 21 March 547 – Patron Saint of Europe) was an Italian Christian monk, founder of the Benedictine Order.
From the writings of Saint Gregory the Great (540-604), we know that Saint Benedict had a deep faith in the Cross and that he worked several miracles by urging people to make the sign of the cross. This faith towards the cross was passed down to give rise to the diffusion of the cross medal, depicting Saint Benedict with a cross held aloft in his right hand and his rule for the monasteries in the other hand. Over time, a prayer in Latin was added to the margin of the medal and a series of capital letters around the large cross. The final medal is the one minted for the jubilee in 1880 under the supervision of the monks of Montecassino.
Saint Benedict was tempted by the devil in various ways and the cross medal is particularly effective against the temptations of the evil one.
Pope Saint Pius X says (Declaration of the Holy Office, 2 June 1914):”True believer which if such blessing of the Cross (is not even appertained to him), kissed or otherwise touched, one can gain a plenary indulgence, under the stipulations that he had confessed and received Holy Communion or was prevented, at least repents his sins, that he called the Holy Name of Jesus with devotion and accepts death with resignation from the Hand of God as atonement for his sins”.
The Meaning of the Cross/Medal of Saint Benedict
On the face of the medal Saint Benedict is depicted, holding the Cross high with one hand and the rule with the other; at the bottom to the right of the Saint there is a viper coming out of a cup in memory of the Saint’s miracle (the poisoned cup broke after the sign of the Cross); at the bottom left a crow about to bring poisoned bread.
Above the cup and the raven are the following words:
Crux S. Patris Benedicti (The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict)
On the edge of the medal are the Latin words: Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur (We can be strengthened by his presence at the hour of our death).
The Benedictines considered Saint Benedict a special patron saint for a peaceful death (the crucifix with the cross is in fact also called the Happy Death).
On the back, on the cross there are the initial letters of a Latin prayer: Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Nunquam draco sit mihi dux! (May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my guide!).
In the corners of the cross, the letters CSPB are: Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict).
Above the cross there is the word PAX (peace).
Around the margin of the back of the medal, the letters VRSNSMV – SMQLIVB are the initial letters of a Latin exorcism prayer against Satan: Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas! (Go back Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!)
If worn with true faith, the medal is a true prayer.
PRAYER TO SAINT BENEDICT
Saint Benedict, you gave yourself entirely to God and lived only for Him. With your example, your faith and your love for God, you raised the ideal of monastic life in many generous souls. Father of monks, you have transmitted to your children the joy of living in prayer, contemplation and fraternal life for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
For the sanctity of your soul and for the docility to the Spirit of Love, you opposed the power of Satan to snatch from him the souls that he wanted to lose for eternity.
Father Benedict, intercede for us with God, so that you attract to yourself all the souls eager to live like you in faithfulness to the Gospel.
Saint Benedict, defend us against the evil one who tries to mislead us from the path that leads to God: the path of good, of love, of eternal bliss.
Protect us against the enemy’s snares, save us from his traps, make us strong in the face of temptation and assist us when the hour of our death comes.
Saint Benedict, God’s chosen one, ward off evil powers from us, nullify all sorts of evil and teach us to maintain peace of heart at all times.
Amen.
PRAYER OF THE CROSS
In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
Holy Cross, be my light and may the devil never be my head. Go back Satan! You will never persuade me of vain things; the drinks you pour for me are evil. Drink your poison yourself.
In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
Amen.