Description
The Cross of Saint Benedict
During his life, St. Benedict was known to work many miracles using the power of the Holy Cross. Among these included his heroic flight from temptations and his miraculous escape from traps set to kill him. Saint Benedict became known for his power over the devil, with the Holy Cross as his means to make the devil take to flight. This Crucifix, which includes the Medal of Saint Benedict in its design, is based on this tradition.
The Medal of Saint Benedict
The medal as we commonly know it today (the Jubilee medal) was first made in 1880 to commemorate the fourteenth centenary anniversary of St. Benedict’s birth by the Archabbey of Monte Cassino, the most important monastery established by the Saint in the 6th century.
On one side is the image of the Saint, holding the cross in the right hand and the Rule in the left hand. To his right there is a cup from which a viper escapes (the poison he miraculously escaped). On the left, a crow takes away a poisoned bread (another episode in the life of the Saint). Under the Saint are the words: “EX S.M. CASINO MDCCCLXXX” (From the Holy Mount Cassino 1880). On both sides “CRUX SANCTI PATRIS BENEDICTI” (Cross of the Holy Father Benedict). Around the image: “EIUS IN OBITU NOSTRO PRAESENTIA MUNIAMUR” (He defends us at our death by his presence). On the other side is a cross inside a double circle, inside and around which are the initials of a prayer in Latin:
C.S.P.B. : “CRUX SANCTI PATRIS BENDICTI” (Cross of the 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. : “NON DRACO SIT MIHI DUX” (May the devil not be my guide).
V.R.S. : “VADE RETRO SATANA” (Get behind me, Satan!)
N.S.M.V. : “NUMQUAM SUADE MIHI VANA” (Do not suggest to me thy vanities).
S.M.Q.L. : “SUNT MALA QUAE LIBAS” (What you offer is evil).
I.V.B. : “IPSE VENENAM BIBAS” (You, drink your own poison).
The cross is surmounted by “PAX”, the motto of the Benedictine Order, between two small olive branches (some Benedictines who wear white are called Olivetans).
