Crucifix Medal of St. Benedict Symbolism

The crucifix of St. Benedict is a means for Christians to keep in mind the message and rules of St. Benedict and follow his pious example. St. Benedict had very strong faith in the Cross of Christ and this faith allowed him to perform miracles while he held the cross in his hands. Replicas of the Saint Benedict cross are still used by the Benedictine monks today and by many Catholics around the world.

The Front of the St. Benedict Crucifix

* Saint Benedict is pictured on the front of the medal and carries the St. Benedict's cross in his right hand. The cross symbolizes eternal life with Jesus Christ.

* The Rule of St. Benedict is carried in his left hand. The rules are a guide for Catholics to follow as way to walk in the path of Jesus Christ.

* The pedestal at St. Benedict's right is the cup which held the poison in an assassination attempt on his life. The cup was shattered when St. Benedict made the sign of the cross before drinking from the cup.

* The pedestal at the left of St. Benedict displays the raven that carried away a poisoned loaf of bread which was also supposed to kill St. Benedict. Once again, he made the sign of the cross over the bread and the raven flew in and took it away.

* Crux s. patris Benedicti is the Latin for The Cross of Our Holy Father Benedict) is written above the poisoned cup and the raven.

* Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur! Is Latin for May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death! And is written along the edges of the medal around St. Benedict.

* Underneath the feet of St. Benedict, it says ex SM Casino MDCCCLXXX which means from Holy Monte Cassino, 1880 - this was the first monastery established by St. Benedict.

The Back of the St. Benedict Crucifix

* Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Nunquam draco sit mihi dux! , the Latin prayer meaning 'May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my guide!' is written along the arms of the cross.

* C S P B is written in the right angles between the bars of the cross and means Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti - The cross of our Holy Father Benedict.

* Pax is written over the St. Benedict Cross and means Peace in Latin. This is the motto of the Benedictine Order.

* V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B is written around the edges of the medal and is a Latin prayer casting out satan. The actual translation of the letters is: Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas! Which means "Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!"

Wearing the Crucifix Medal of St. Benedict offers Catholics either a plenary or partial indulgence for sins. It is a visual reminder of the Catholic faith and how to go about living a life of piety, prayer, and love for Jesus.