Saint Benedict Medal
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[edit] History
The exact time and date of the making of the first St. Benedict Medal are not clear. Saint Vincent de Paul, who died in 1660, appears to have been acquainted with the the Medal and the Sisters of Charity founded by him have worn it attached to their rosary beads, and for many years it was made in France for them alone.[1]
At some point there were letters found on the back of the medal. These remained a mystery until a manuscript dating back to 1415 was found at Metten Abbey in Bavaria in 1647, and the letters were found to correspond to the Vade retro satana (Step back Satan) phrase.[2]
The medal was formally approved by Pope Benedict XIV in 1741 and the Jubliee medal was struck in 1880, in remembrance of the 1400th anniversary of St. Benedict’s birth. The initials of the Vade retro satana formula (VRSNSMV SMQLIVB or VRS:NSMV:SMQL:IVB) have been found on Saint Benedict Medals at least since 1780.[3]
[edit] The Medal’s Symbolism
On the front of the medal is St. Benedict holding 2 things. He holds, in his right, hand a cross, to which he was incredibly devoted and, in the left, his rule for monasteries. In the back there is a poisoned cup, that when the saint made the sign of the cross over it, shattered. A jealous enemy had given him this cup and a loaf of bread (also poisoned) that a raven carried away. Above the cup are the words "Crux sancti patris Benedicti" (The Cross of our holy father Benedict). Surrounding the figure of St. Benedict are the words "Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!" (May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death) as he was always regarded to the Benedictines as the patron of a happy death.
On the back there resides a cross. On the cross are the letters C S S M L - N D S M D, initials of the words "Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Nunquam draco sit mihi dux!" (May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my overlord!). At the top of the medal is the word Pax (peace.) Surrounding the back of the medal are the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B, refer to Vade retro satana meaning "Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas!" (Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!)
[edit] Use of the Medal
This medal is used in numerous ways:
- on chain around the neck;
- attached to one's rosary;
- kept in one's pocket or purse;
- placed in one's car or home;
- placed in the foundation of a building;
- placed in the center of a cross.
Heres some of its uses:
To destroy witchcraft and all other diabolical & haunting influences. To keep away the spells of magicians, of wicked and evil-minded persons. To impart protection to persons tempted, deluded or tormented by evil spirits. To obtain the conversion of sinners into the Catholic Church, especially when they are in danger of death. To serve as an armor in temptations against holy purity. To destroy the effects of poison. To secure a timely and healthy birth for children. To afford protection against storms and lightning. To serve as an efficacious remedy for bodily afflictions and a means of protection against contagious diseases.
[edit] Blessing of the Medal
Medals of Saint Benedict are sacramentals that may be blessed legitimately by any priest or deacon -- not necessarily a Benedictine.[4]
The following English form may be used:[5]
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V: Our help is in the name of the Lord. R: Who made heaven and earth. V: In the name of God the Father + almighty, who made heaven and earth, the seas and all that is in them, I exorcise these medals against the power and attacks of the evil one. May all who use these medals devoutly be blessed with health of soul and body. In the name of the Father + almighty, of the Son + Jesus Christ our Lord, and of the Holy + Spirit the Paraclete, and in the love of the same Lord Jesus Christ who will come on the last day to judge the living and the dead, and the world by fire. R: Amen. V: Let us pray. Almighty God, the boundless source of all good things, we humbly ask that, through the intercession of Saint Benedict, you pour out your blessings + upon these medals. May those who use them devoutly and earnestly strive to perform good works be blessed by you with health of soul and body, the grace of a holy life, and remission of the temporal punishment due to sin. May they also with the help of your merciful love, resist the temptation of the evil one and strive to exercise true charity and justice toward all, so that one day they may appear sinless and holy in your sight. This we ask though Christ our Lord. R: Amen. |
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The medals are then sprinkled with holy water.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- The Medal of Saint Benedict
- Own your own Medal of Saint Benedict
- "Medal of Saint Benedict". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. 1913. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13338a.htm.
- EWTN
- Sancta.org
