Saint Benedict’s name means blessing, and the cross of Saint Benedict brings blessings that curse evils.
The image of Saint Benedict has the Cross in his right hand and his rule for a way of life in his left hand.
A shattered cup with a serpent recalls a poisoned cup intended for Benedict shattering when he blessed the cup with the Sign of the Cross: ‘Crux s. patris Benedicti,’ ‘The Cross of our holy father Benedict.’
The raven similarly recalls the carrying away of a poisoned loaf of bread intended for Benedict.
Saint Benedict survived these attempts on his earthly life, to die peacefully with this brother monks in his Montecassino chapel after receiving Holy Communion.
‘Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!,’ ‘May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death!’
The Cross of Saint Benedict also offers blessings, and blessings against curses, with the initials:
Circled C S P B: Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti, the Cross of our holy father Benedict.
C S S M L: Crux sacra sit mihi lux, May the holy cross be my light.
N D S M D: Nunquam draco sit mihi dux, May the dragon never be my guide.
The Cross above all offers Christ’s PAX, Peace.
Around the edges of the medal, the initials of a prayer of exorcism:
V R S N S M V: Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities!
S M Q L I V B: Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!
Order of Saint Benedict description of the Saint Benedict Medal
Father Boniface Hick’s Ascension Press Description of the Medal of Saint Benedict
Pints with Aquinas video of Benedictine Father Boniface Hicks describing the Medal of Saint Benedict