If you see a Catholic wearing a medal, there's a 50% chance it's a Miraculous Medal (Mary) and a 50% chance it's a St. Benedict Medal. It is one of the most powerful sacramentals in the Church. It is essentially an exorcism stamped in metal.
But who was the man behind the medal? St. Benedict of Nursia (480-547) wasn't just a monk. He was a revolutionary who saved Western Civilization when the Roman Empire collapsed. He built a fortress of order (monasticism) in a world of chaos.
Whether you are fighting spiritual demons or just the chaos of your daily schedule, you need St. Benedict.
1. The Dropout (His Life)
Benedict was a young student in Rome. But Rome was a cesspool of vice and corruption. So, he dropped out. He fled to the mountains of Subiaco and lived in a cave for three years. He didn't want to start a movement. He just wanted to find God. But people found him. Shepherds and seekers came to his cave. Eventually, he agreed to lead a community of monks.
The Poisoned Cup
His first attempt at being an Abbot was a disaster. The monks at Vicovaro thought his rules were too strict. So they tried to kill him. They put poison in his wine. When Benedict made the Sign of the Cross over the cup to bless it, the glass shattered as if hit by a rock. Benedict calmly stood up, told them, "God forgive you, brothers," and left. (This is why the medal often features a cup with a snake in it).
2. The Rule: "Ora et Labora"
Benedict moved to Monte Cassino and wrote his famous "Rule." Before Benedict, monks were often extreme (starving themselves, sleeping on rocks). Benedict brought moderation. His motto was Ora et Labora (Prayer and Work).
- Prayer: The monks prayed the Psalms 7 times a day (The Divine Office).
- Work: Idleness is the "enemy of the soul." Monks had to farm, cook, and copy manuscripts.
For You: You don't have to live in a monastery to use the Rule.
- Schedule Prayer: Don't just pray "when you feel like it." Put it in your calendar.
- Sanctify Work: Your job isn't a distraction from God; it's part of your offering to Him.
3. The Medal (Decoded)
The St. Benedict Medal is dense with symbolism. On the front, you see Benedict holding a Cross and his Rule. On the back, you see a Cross with random letters. These are acronyms for a Latin prayer of exorcism.
The Cross (center)
- 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 (May the dragon never be my guide).
The Rim
- V R S: Vade Retro Satana (Begone Satan).
- N S M V: Numquam Suade Mihi Vana (Never tempt me with your vanities).
- S M Q L: Sunt Mala Quae Libas (What you offer me is evil).
- I V B: Ipse Venena Bibas (Drink your own poison).
How to Use It: Wear it around your neck. Put it on your rosary. Bury it in the foundation of your house (many do this for protection). It is a constant prayer against the influence of the Evil One.
4. The Raven
You might see a raven on the medal or in statues. Why? Another time, a jealous priest sent Benedict a poisoned loaf of bread. Benedict knew it was poisoned. He called a raven that he used to feed. He told the bird: "Take this bread and throw it where no one can find it." The raven flew off with the bread and disposed of it. (This is why Benedict is the [patron saint](/guides/who-is-my-patron-saint) against poisoning).
Conclusion: The Peace of the Order
Benedict's other motto is PAX (Peace). But peace is not "being relaxed." St. Augustine defined peace as the "Tranquility of Order." We are anxious because our lives are disordered. Benedict brings order.
- Order in prayer.
- Order in work.
- Order in discipline.
When you put God first (Order), peace follows.
Battle the chaos. Pray the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours) with the MyPrayerTower app.