What Is the Most Powerful Spiritual Sacramental Medal? | St. Benedict
The St. Benedict Medal is one of the best-known and most powerful sacramentals associated with protection in the Catholic tradition. The St. Benedict medal is not to be revered as a superstitious object, but its strength comes through the power of prayer of the Church, the intercession of the saints, and devotion and love lived in union with Christ.
Who is Saint Benedict?
“And let them first pray together, that so they may associate in peace.” –St. Benedict
Benedict of Nursia was born into a wealthy family around 480 AD. After studying in Rome, unnerved by the worldly events of the time and watching his fellow students fritter away their lives, Benedict fled the city to live as a hermit. This, however, was not his calling. After years of prayer, Benedict’s holiness became well known, and monks came to seek his guidance. Though he had warned the monks that he would be too strict, they attempted to poison him while under his tutelage. Benedict prayed over the cup of poison (now pictured on the front of the medal), and the cup shattered.
Before long, more monks requested to follow Benedict, and 12 monasteries formed, making St. Benedict the father of the Monastic Order. The Rule, written by St. Benedict, became a guide to a prescribed life of prayer, study, moderation, and manual labor. During the Middle Ages, monasteries in the West adopted the Rule of St. Benedict. (Fun Fact – His twin sister is also a saint called St. Scholastica!)
“Listen and attend with the ear of your heart.” –St. Benedict
What is associated with the St. Benedict Medal?
The St. Benedict Medal is traditionally associated with protection from evil, temptation, and spiritual danger. The medal is not a magical object, nor does it guarantee physical protection. Rather, it is a sacramental that points the wearer toward Christ, prayer, and the intercession of the saints.
In Christian tradition, the Benedictine cross is one of the Church’s most powerful signs of divine protection. It was created in the mid 600’s as a symbol of the spiritual truths that enabled St. Benedict and his many followers to resist evil and do good. “The Holy Cross be my Light,” is written in Latin on the front of the cross, which is used all over the world to help spread Christ’s Kingdom of love and light. Wear this ancient symbol to help protect your soul, your loved ones and your home from anything contrary to God’s love. – Father John Bartunek, LC ThDRCSpirituality.org
What Do the Letters on the St. Benedict Medal Mean?
The letters surrounding the St. Benedict Cross are abbreviations of Latin prayers associated with the medal.
C.S.S.M.L. — Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux
“May the Holy Cross be my light.”
N.D.S.M.D. — Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux
“May the dragon never be my guide.”
Other letters on the medal refer to a prayer of renunciation:
V.R.S.N.S.M.V. — Vade Retro Satana! Non Suade Mihi Vana!
“Begone, Satan! Do not suggest to me your vanities.”
S.M.Q.L.I.V.B. — Sunt Mala Quae Libas. Ipse Venena Bibas!
“What you offer is evil. Drink the poison yourself.”
Together, these words express a prayerful rejection of evil and a desire to remain guided by Christ.
What Is on the Front of the St. Benedict Medal?
The traditional medal depicts St. Benedict holding the Rule of St. Benedict in one hand and the Cross in the other.
The image of the poisoned cup also appears in connection with the traditional story of St. Benedict.
According to the story, an attempt was made to poison Benedict, but when he prayed over the poisoned cup, it shattered.
The story became part of the symbolism associated with St. Benedict and his medal, particularly its connection with rejecting evil and trusting in God.
Is the St. Benedict Medal a Good Gift?
A St. Benedict Medal can be a meaningful gift for someone who could use a reminder of faith, prayer, and God's protection.
It can be especially meaningful for:
- A loved one beginning a new chapter
- Someone facing a difficult season
- A student heading off to school
- A friend who needs encouragement
- A family member traveling
- A birthday or Christmas gift
- A Confirmation gift
- Someone beginning a new job or home
- Anyone who has a devotion to St. Benedict
A St. Benedict gift can carry a message that goes beyond the jewelry itself:
“May the Cross be your light, and may you always remember that you are held in God's love.”
A Wearable Reminder of Faith
At My Saint My Hero, we believe jewelry can be more than something beautiful to wear.
It can become a daily reminder of prayer, faith, hope, and God's presence.
Our St. Benedict jewelry brings the symbolism of this beloved Catholic sacramental into pieces designed to be worn every day—so that a reminder of faith can stay close to you wherever life takes you.
Explore St. Benedict Jewelry →