Millions of people wear their medal, but few know its story. Saint Benedict of Nursia is one of Europe's most influential saints: he founded monasteries, wrote a rule that thousands of monks still follow today, and is the patron saint of the entire continent. We tell you who he was and why his medal has come down to us.
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Saint Benedict, patron saint of Europe, and our medals
His life, in brief
- He was born around 480 in Nursia (now Norcia), Italy, into a wealthy family. He had a twin sister, Saint Scholastica.
- At a very young age, he left his studies in Rome and retired to live as a hermit in a cave in Subiaco.
- Around 529, he founded the monastery of Montecassino, which became the heart of his work.
- He died around 547 in Montecassino. His feast day is celebrated on July 11.
“Ora et labora”: The Rule of Saint Benedict
Saint Benedict wrote a Rule for his monks that organized the day around prayer, work, and study. The motto summarizing it, “ora et labora” (pray and work), became the model for monastic life in the West. Benedictine monasteries preserved books, taught people how to cultivate the land, and were centers of culture for centuries. That is why, in 1964, Pope Paul VI named him the patron saint of Europe.
The poisoned cup and the raven
There are two episodes from his life that explain the symbols on his medal. According to tradition, some disgruntled monks tried to poison him; when Saint Benedict blessed the cup, it shattered. On another occasion, they gave him poisoned bread, and he sent a raven to take it far away. That is why he often appears in images with a broken cup and a raven at his feet.
This is where the medal comes from
The medal captures that confidence in the cross against evil. On one side, the saint appears with the cross and the Rule; on the other, Saint Benedict's cross is surrounded by Latin initials that form a prayer, including the famous “Vade retro, Satana” (“step back, Satan”). We explain each letter in the meaning of Saint Benedict's medal.
Where is he venerated today?
Montecassino still stands, rebuilt after World War II. In Spain, there are great Benedictine monasteries, such as Santo Domingo de Silos (Burgos), famous for its Gregorian chant, and Montserrat (Barcelona).
Wearing his medal
Whoever wears Saint Benedict's medal entrusts themselves to him and to the cross of Christ in their daily life. If it is for a baby, read the tradition of Saint Benedict's medal at the cradle, and if you have questions, how to wear it and whether it should be blessed.
Our Saint Benedict medals
We designed our Saint Benedict medals, Marian and Bárbara, and we make them by hand in Spain, piece by piece. Each one has an 18K gold plating, natural pearls, stones, or hand-applied enamels, so no two are alike. They arrive with their 40 + 5 cm chain, wrapped as a gift, and within 24–72 hours. You won't find these medals in any other store.
- The favorite: the Saint Benedict medal with a natural pearl.
- Deep violet: the amethyst one.
- For him or for her: the tiger's eye one.
- On the wrist: the enameled Saint Benedict bracelets, in many colors.
The most beautiful medals in the world are at www.khartesmadrid.com. Follow us on Instagram: @khartesmadrid.