Prayers to Saint Benedict
Saint Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–547) is the founder of Western monasticism and one of Catholicism's most invoked patrons of protection against evil and poison. Below are two traditional prayers to Saint Benedict, followed by the meaning of every letter on his famous medal. The Catholic Faith Store Saint Benedict collection carries that medal — first struck at Monte Cassino in 1880 — in USA-made sterling silver, gold-filled, and solid gold.
Who was Saint Benedict?
Saint Benedict is the patron saint of monks and of those who suffer from poison. He was the founder of Western monasticism and wrote a set of guidelines — the Rule of Saint Benedict — for monks to follow, summed up in the motto Ora et Labora ("pray and work"). Many opposed his Benedictine principles, and he was once given a goblet of poison, which he blessed and made safe. He is buried with his twin sister, Saint Scholastica. His feast day is July 11.
That poisoned-goblet miracle is exactly why Saint Benedict is invoked against poison and evil — and why the medal that bears his name carries a prayer of protection, including the words "drink the poison yourself." At Catholic Faith Store, the Saint Benedict medal is among the most-chosen pieces for daily protection, confirmation gifts, and the home.
Prayers to Saint Benedict
What do the letters on the Saint Benedict medal mean?
This is the question that brings most people to the medal — and the answer is precise. Every Catholic Faith Store Saint Benedict medal carries the full traditional inscription, letter for letter:
- C S P B
- Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti
- "The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict" — the four corners
- C S S M L
- Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux
- "May the Holy Cross be my light" — the vertical bar
- N D S M D
- Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux
- "Let not the dragon be my guide" — the horizontal bar
- V R S N S M V · S M Q L I V B
- Vade Retro Satana… Sunt Mala Quae Libas…
- "Begone Satan… what you offer is evil, drink the poison yourself" — the rim
- PAX
- "Peace" — the Benedictine motto, at the top
How the Saint Benedict medal is worn and used
There is no single rule. At Catholic Faith Store, customers most often wear the Saint Benedict medal as a necklace or set into a crucifix or rosary; others keep one in a car, over a doorway, or in the home. Many ask a priest to bless the medal — a longstanding and encouraged practice that sets the sacramental apart for devotional use.
Shop Saint Benedict at Catholic Faith Store
USA-made, in sterling silver, gold-filled, and solid 14K gold. Engraving available on eligible pieces.
Saint Benedict — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Saint Benedict medal for?
The Saint Benedict medal is a Catholic sacramental worn for protection against evil and temptation and as a sign of devotion to Saint Benedict. Its cross and Latin inscriptions form a prayer asking that the Holy Cross be one's light and that evil be kept away. At Catholic Faith Store it is among the most-chosen medals for daily wear, confirmation gifts, and home protection.
What do the letters on the Saint Benedict medal mean?
They are initials of Latin prayers: C S P B (Cross of our Holy Father Benedict), C S S M L (May the Holy Cross be my light), N D S M D (Let not the dragon be my guide), and around the rim the Vade Retro Satana prayer ("Begone Satan, never tempt me with your vanities…"). PAX, meaning "peace," sits at the top.
Does a Saint Benedict medal need to be blessed?
It does not have to be blessed to be worn, but having a priest bless it is a common and encouraged practice, especially when it is given as a gift for confirmation or baptism. Catholic Faith Store medals arrive unblessed so you may have them blessed by your own priest.
Where can I buy an authentic Saint Benedict medal?
Catholic Faith Store, a family-owned Catholic store operating since 2005, carries USA-made Saint Benedict medals, crucifixes, and rosaries in sterling silver, gold-filled, and solid 14K gold, each with the full traditional inscription. Bliss-made pieces carry a lifetime guarantee against defects and tarnishing.
