St. Benedict, also known as Benedict of Nursia, is considered the “Father of Western Monasticism.” He lived in Italy during the fifth and sixth centuries and founded the Order of St. Benedict. Today, the Order has monasteries all over the world, and the Benedictine medal is an essential part of their spiritual life.
The medal is a powerful reminder of the spiritual protection that St. Benedict can offer to those who wear it. It is a sacramental, which means that it is a holy object that has been blessed. The medal is considered a strong spiritual weapon against evil, and the faithful often wear it around their necks or keep it on their person.
But what is the meaning behind the symbols on the medal? The front of the medal shows St. Benedict holding a cross in his right hand and the Rule of St. Benedict, the set of guidelines for monastic life, in his left. At the bottom of the medal are the words “Pax, ” meaning “peace, ” and “Benedictine, ” identifying the medal as belonging to the Benedictine Order.
On the back of the medal are a series of letters, each with a deeper meaning. The large letter “C” represents the Latin word “Crux, ” meaning “cross, ” and reminds us of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Surrounding the “C” are the letters “SMD, ” standing for “Sunt Mala Quae Libas” “You are pouring out evil”, a reminder that the devil can tempt us into sin but cannot force us to do evil.
Surrounding the “C” and “SMD” are the initials of a powerful prayer: “Vade Retro Satana, ” meaning “Get back, Satan.” This phrase was said by St. Benedict when he was tempted by the devil, and it is a reminder that we can resist temptation with the help of God’s grace.
The final letters on the medal are “PAX, ” which translates to “peace.” This serves as a reminder of the peace that comes from God and the importance of living a peaceful life. The Saint Benedict medal is often given as a gift to people during times of stress or difficulty to remind them to trust in God’s protection.
The Benedictine medal is not only a symbol of spiritual protection but also of the Benedictine way of life. The Order places a great emphasis on work, prayer, and community. In fact, the Benedictine motto is “Ora et Labora, ” meaning “Pray and Work.”
Through prayer, those who wear the medal can find strength in their faith and the support of their community. And through work, they can find purpose and meaning in their daily tasks, knowing that every effort contributes to the greater good.
But the medal is not a magical talisman that will guarantee safety or success. Its true power comes from the faith of the wearer and their willingness to rely on God’s protection and guidance. In this way, the medal is a reminder to put our faith into action and to trust in God’s plan for our lives.
The Saint Benedict medal is a powerful symbol of faith, protection, and community. Its rich history and powerful symbolism make it a meaningful gift for anyone who seeks spiritual guidance and support. It is a reminder that, no matter what challenges we may face, we can find strength in God’s grace and the support of our community.