What Is the Medal of St. Benedict?
The St. Benedict Medal is a Catholic sacramental recognized since the 11th century as a sign of protection, blessing, and spiritual strength. Unlike charms or talismans, it is rooted in the Church’s sacramental theology, meant to invoke God’s help through the intercession of St. Benedict of Nursia (480–547).
One side features St. Benedict holding a cross and his Rule, with a raven and poisoned cup—symbols recalling legendary attempts to poison him, thwarted by divine intervention (Gregory the Great, Dialogues, II, c. 593). The reverse side is filled with abbreviations of Latin prayers against evil, making it one of the most text-rich and spiritually charged medals in Christianity.
Origins and History
The origins of the St. Benedict Medal are tied to Benedictine monasticism. As early as the 11th century, Benedictine communities used the sign of the cross and short invocations to protect against spiritual and physical danger. A miraculous legend recounts that monks were once saved from poison when they made the sign of the cross over their food (Laux, The Benedictine Medal, 1985).
Archaeological evidence shows that fragments bearing Benedictine inscriptions were discovered at the monastery of Metten in Bavaria, founded in 766 AD, linking the imagery to early monastic devotion (Schmitz, The Medieval Monastery, 2001). The first well-documented case of the medal’s power occurred in 1647, when witches on trial in Bavaria admitted they could not harm a monastery protected by the symbols inscribed on the medal.
The medal was formally approved by Pope Benedict XIV in 1742, who attached indulgences to its use (Acta Sanctae Sedis, vol. 14). The modern standardized form was struck in 1880 to mark the 1400th anniversary of St. Benedict’s birth, under the patronage of Pope Leo XIII (Laux, 1985). Today, the Archabbey of Monte Cassino—founded by Benedict himself—continues to produce millions of medals annually (Lentini, Monte Cassino: A History, 1989).
Symbols and Inscriptions Explained
The St. Benedict Medal is unique in its combination of Christian imagery and Latin inscriptions.
The Image of St. Benedict
On the obverse, St. Benedict holds a cross, symbol of salvation, and his Rule, the foundational text of Western monasticism (c. 530). A raven at his feet recalls the legend of the bird carrying away poisoned bread, while a broken chalice with a serpent symbolizes a shattered poisoned cup. The word PAX (Peace), the Benedictine motto, appears prominently above (Knowles, The Benedictines, 1929).
The Cross and Inscriptions
On the reverse is the Cross of St. Benedict surrounded by initials of Latin prayers:
- C.S.P.B. – Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict) (Toke, The Catholic Encyclopedia, 1911)
- C.S.S.M.L. – Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux (May the Holy Cross be my light) (Doyle, 1957)
- N.D.S.M.D. – Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux (Let not the dragon be my guide) (Cabrol, Benedictine Monasticism, 1930)
- Around the perimeter: Vade retro Satana; Numquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas! (Begone, Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer is evil. Drink your own poison!) (Lehner, Symbols, Signs and Signets, 1950)
This exorcistic prayer summarizes the Benedictine vision of Christian life: resisting evil through the power of Christ’s Cross.
Spiritual Power and Purpose
Sacramental, Not Superstition
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1667–1673) defines sacramentals as sacred signs instituted by the Church to prepare believers to receive grace. The St. Benedict Medal functions within this framework, unlike magical charms that attempt to control supernatural forces.
Protection Against Evil
The medal’s inscriptions serve as a public renunciation of Satan. In Benedictine tradition, it has been used during times of plague, famine, and spiritual trial. Fr. Gabriele Amorth (1925–2016), chief exorcist of Rome, recorded its frequent use in exorcisms as part of the Rituale Romanum (Amorth, An Exorcist Tells His Story, 1999).
Psychological and Spiritual Efficacy
Modern psychology of religion notes that sacramentals like the St. Benedict Medal can provide believers with a sense of security, reducing anxiety and strengthening resilience (McDonald, The Role of Sacramentals in Catholic Life, 2012). Beyond placebo, the ritual and meaning behind the medal reinforce a worldview centered on Christ’s victory.
Indulgences and Church Teaching
Pope Benedict XIV’s approval in 1742 formally recognized the medal, while Pope Pius IX later granted a plenary indulgence for its devout use under usual conditions (Deutsch, Medals of the Saints, 1916). To receive indulgences, the faithful must:
- Wear or carry the medal with devotion
- Be in a state of grace
- Pray and perform the prescribed works
Indulgences highlight the medal’s place in Catholic theology, as a means of deepening spiritual life rather than offering automatic protection.
The St. Benedict Medal in Daily Life
Wearing the Medal
Christians wear it as necklaces, bracelets, or rings, often combined with rosaries. The act is not about displaying jewelry but carrying a daily reminder of resistance to sin and fidelity to Christ.
In the Home and Workplace
In 18th–19th century Europe, families placed medals in fields, barns, and wells for protection against disease and curses. Today, many place them at doorways or above beds as symbols of Christ’s presence and blessing.
Use in Exorcism and Blessings
The Rituale Romanum explicitly allows priests to bless and use the medal during exorcisms. Its long tradition of association with exorcism underscores its role as a weapon in spiritual warfare.
Misconceptions and Clarifications
Not Magic or Folk Superstition
Some misuse the medal as if it were a talisman. Catholic theology, however, insists its power flows from Christ, not from the metal itself. Adolphe Tanquerey emphasized that sacramentals “dispose the soul for grace but do not produce it” (The Spiritual Life, 1930).
Distinct from Pagan Amulets
Unlike amulets that attempt to manipulate impersonal forces, the Benedict Medal invokes God directly. Its exorcistic inscriptions renounce Satan explicitly, grounding its power in faith rather than superstition.
Lessons from St. Benedict for Today
St. Benedict lived in the turbulence of the crumbling Roman Empire. His Rule of St. Benedict, written around 530, offered a path of order, stability, and prayer that shaped medieval Europe. The medal reflects this heritage:
- Discipline – forming habits of resisting temptation
- Community – uniting Christians under a shared vision of holiness
- Peace (Pax) – the Benedictine motto, pointing to Christ’s ultimate gift
The medal’s relevance today lies in its reminder that Christians can resist chaos through prayer, work, and fidelity to the Cross.
Conclusion
Rooted in 11th-century Benedictine spirituality, confirmed by papal approval in 1742, and standardized in 1880, the St. Benedict Medal remains a living tradition. Its inscriptions, images, and indulgences invite believers to resist evil, embrace Christ, and cultivate peace. More than an artifact, it is a symbol of faith, discipline, and divine protection, echoing St. Benedict’s own command: “Prefer nothing whatever to Christ” (Rule of St. Benedict, ch. 72).
