The Devotion to Saint Benedict

Saint Benedict of Nursia is known as the father of Western monasticism and is a saint invoked for protection against evil, temptations, diseases, and spiritual snares.

The St. Benedict Medal

The central point of this devotion is the St. Benedict Medal, which is invariably incorporated into the Rosary (or Chaplet). The inscriptions on the medal are powerful exorcisms and invocations:

• Cross and Letters: The reverse side of the medal features a Cross (the power of Christ) and various letters that are abbreviations of Latin phrases for exorcism and protection, such as:

  • C.S.P.B.: Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (Cross of the Holy Father Benedict).

  • V.R.S.N.S.M.V.: Vade Retro Satana, Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana (Begone Satan, never tempt me with your vanities).

  • S.M.Q.L.I.V.B.: Sunt Mala Quae Libas, Ipse Venena Bibas (Evil are the things thou offerest, drink thou the poison thyself).

Structure and Prayer

The St. Benedict Rosary is primarily used to pray the traditional Rosary, but the presence of the St. Benedict Medal and Crucifix grants an additional intention of protection.

• Medal/Crucifix: The starting point is usually a Crucifix that incorporates the St. Benedict Medal.

• Beads: It is composed of the 5 decades (50 beads) for the recitation of the Hail Marys, in addition to the Our Father and Creed beads, following the format of the traditional Rosary.

• Intention: When praying the decades and the mysteries, the faithful pray asking for St. Benedict’s intercession for liberation from evil influences and for strength in temptations.

Spiritual Significance and Use

The use of the St. Benedict Rosary is an act of faith in the intercession of St. Benedict and the protective power of the Cross of Christ, symbolized in the medal:

• Sign of Protection: It is a physical reminder and a tool to invoke God’s protection against evil and the wiles of the devil.

• Focus on the Cross: The medal and the Rosary reinforce the centrality of the Cross of Christ as a source of salvation and power.

• Devotion to the Saint: It helps the devotee connect with the example of St. Benedict’s life, a man of prayer and spiritual discipline.

In summary, the St. Benedict Rosary is a powerful fusion of Marian devotion (the Rosary) with the practice of exorcism and spiritual protection, centered on the figure of St. Benedict.