Saint Benedict Medals
Saint Benedict of Nursia, patron saint of Europe, founded Monte Cassino and wrote the Rule of ora et labora. His medal is the oldest protective amulet: it bears the cross and the initials of a Latin prayer against evil, and every letter has its meaning.
Our Saint Benedict medals, with natural pearls, stones, or enamels, are designed by us, Marian and Bárbara, and are handmade in Spain. For gifts: medal + necklace or bracelet packs
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What the Saint Benedict medal means
The obverse: the saint
Saint Benedict with the cross and the book of his Rule. At his feet, the cup and the raven, which recall two attempts to poison him: the cup broke when he blessed it, and the raven carried away the bread.
The reverse: the cross and its letters
A cross surrounded by the initials of a Latin prayer:
- C S P B, at the angles of the cross: Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti, "Cross of Saint Benedict"
- C S S M L, on the vertical bar: Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux, "May the Holy Cross be my light"
- N D S M D, on the horizontal bar: Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux, "May the dragon (the devil) not be my guide"
- V R S · N S M V · S M Q L · I V B, around: Vade Retro Satana, Numquam Suade Mihi Vana; Sunt Mala Quae Libas, Ipse Venena Bibas, "Begone, Satan, do not tempt me with vain things; evil is what you offer me, drink your own poison"
- At the top, PAX ("peace"), the Benedictine motto, or sometimes the IHS monogram of Jesus.
More details in the meaning of the Saint Benedict medal and in video.
A little history
Saint Benedict of Nursia (around 480-547) lived alone for three years in a cave in Subiaco, around 529 he founded Monte Cassino and wrote the Rule of ora et labora. He died there on March 21, 547; his feast day is July 11, when the translation of his relics is commemorated, and since 1964 he has been the patron saint of Europe: he was proclaimed by Pope Paul VI on October 24, the day he consecrated the church of Monte Cassino rebuilt after World War II.
In 1647, during a witchcraft trial in Natternberg (Bavaria), some crosses with painted letters were mentioned in the abbey of Metten; a manuscript from 1415 found there revealed the full prayer. Pope Benedict XIV approved it in 1741-1742 and in 1880, for the 1,400th anniversary of his birth, Monte Cassino minted the jubilee medal. More in who was Saint Benedict of Nursia.
How to choose your Saint Benedict medal
They are 18K gold-plated (not solid gold) and the medals include a 40 + 5 cm chain.
- With a natural pearl (€69): alone or with white, navy blue, coral, or lilac enamel.
- With stones (€65-69): amethyst, tiger's eye, topazes, olivine, kyanite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, rubies, or sapphires.
- Enamel only (€45): in many colors.
- Enamel bracelets with adjustable cord: mini (€25) and large (€35).
Since they are natural stones and handmade enamel, each piece varies slightly.
How to wear it and who to give it to
Around the neck, alone or with others. Also in a baby's cradle or for their baptism (we explain it in the Saint Benedict medal in the cradle), for travel, or for someone moving into a new home. And it is a good confirmation gift or for any new beginning.
See how they look in our video.
Handmade in Spain
They are handmade by the Spanish workshops and enamel artists we work with, and the chains are also Spanish. On each product page we tell you what it is made of: zamak or brass with gold plating.
The factory-made ones costing a few euros and sold as "original design" are something else: we explain it in Khartes medals versus cheap imported medals.
Frequently asked questions about the Saint Benedict medal
What do the letters on the Saint Benedict medal mean?
They are the initials of a Latin prayer of protection, such as "Vade retro, Satana" (V R S). We translated them all above and show you how to pray it in the Saint Benedict prayer.
Should the Saint Benedict medal be blessed?
It is not mandatory, but many people ask a priest to bless it. We show you how in this video.
Can it be worn daily and showered with?
Daily, yes. For showering, swimming, or sleeping, take it off: water and sweat wear down the gold plating. More in how to care for gold-plated jewelry.
How long does shipping take?
It usually arrives in 24-72 h (maximum 5 business days), with free shipping from €65 on the mainland and Balearic Islands.
Does it come with a chain and ready for gifting?
Yes: with a chain and wrapped for gifting at no extra cost.
Also see all our medals. The most beautiful medals in the world are at Khartes.
Religious medals for men: which ones to choose →
The Saint Benedict medal: how to wear it, for whom, and how to choose it →
