St. Benedict Crux S.P. Benedicti Round Gold-Sterling Medal | HMH

Saint Benedict

Saint Benedict was the founder of Western monasticism, and wrote a set of guidelines for monks to follow. Many opposed his Benedictine principles, and he was once given a goblet of poison, which he blessed and made safe. He is buried with his twin sister, Saint Scholastica. St. Benedict is the Patron Saint for Kidney Disease, Monks and Poison Sufferers. Protection Against Evil. Saint Benedict memorial feast day is July 11th.

Saint Benedict Medal: Symbolism and Inscriptions
Front: Image of St. Benedict holding a cross (in one hand) and his monastic Rule (in the other). Nearby are a broken/poisoned cup and a raven carrying away poisoned bread—symbols of miracles that protected him from attempts to poison him. Surrounding text includes “Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti” (“The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict”) and a prayer asking to be strengthened by his presence at the hour of death.Back: A large cross with the initials CSSML (“Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux” — “May the Holy Cross be my light”) and NDSMD (“Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux” — “Let not the dragon be my guide”). The letters CSPB in the angles stand for “Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti.” Around the edge are the initials of an exorcism prayer against Satan (“Begone, Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer is evil; drink the poison yourself!”). At the top is the word PAX (“Peace”).

In short, the front honors St. Benedict and his intercession (especially at death and against poison/evil), while the back centers on the power of the Cross and a prayer of rejection of the devil.