Do you wear a Saint Benedict medal? Here is an explanation of the common elements found on the Saint Benedict medal! On the front of the medal: 1. Saint Benedict's image represents Saint Benedict as a powerful intercessor against evil and a source of spiritual guidance. He holds the written Rule of Saint Benedict in one hand and a cross in the other. 2. On one side of Saint Benedict is a raven. On the other is a cup with a serpent emerging from it. This represents an incident in his life when he miraculously saved himself from poisoning. Above the cup reads: “Crux sancti patris Benedicti," which means, “The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict.” 3. Surrounding Saint Benedict are the words, “Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!” which translates to, "May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death." On the reverse side of the medal: 4. The Cross signifies Christ's victory over sin and death through His crucifixion. 5. The vertical arm of the cross bears the initials "C.S.S.M.L.," which stands for "Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux" ("May the Holy Cross be my light"). 6. The horizontal arm of the cross displays the initials "N.D.S.M.D.," which stand for "Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux", or, "Let not the dragon be my guide." This is a rejection of evil. 7. The larger letters surrounding the center cross, “C S P B”, stand for: Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti, which means, "The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict." 8. At the top of the medal is the word, "PAX" which means “peace.” 9. Surrounding the back of the medal are the letters, V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B. This symbolizes a Latin prayer for protection: "Vade Retro Satana! Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana!". It translates to: "Begone, Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities!" bit.ly/3NNUwGs