The St. Benedict Cross - Powerful against Evil
"The battle against the devil, which is the principal task of Saint Michael the Archangel, is still being fought today, because the devil is still alive and active in the world. The evil that surrounds us today, the disorders that plague our society, man's inconsistency and brokenness, are not only the results of original sin, but also the result of Satan's pervasive and dark action."
Pope John Paul the Second, May 24, 1987
The medal which is embedded in the cross of St.Benedict has a very old tradition. But in the 11th century it became very popular because of a miracle that occurred. There was a man named Bruno who received healing through this cross. Later on, this Bruno was elected as Pope Leone IX.
Usually the image of St.Benedict is presented to us holding a chalice from which a serpent is going out. This reminds us that this saint escaped death after he made the sign of the cross on a glass full of poison presented to him. Saint Gregory said that this poison would not stand the sign of the cross which is the sign of life and so the glass broke in pieces as if it was hit by a thrown stone.
Special graces are received by those who keep this cross on them. They will receive protection against temptations of evil.
The Medal of St. Benedict contains 7 acronyms - as follows:
C.S.P.B. Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti - Cross of St. Fr. Benedict
C.S.S.M.L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux - Be the Holy Cross my light
N.D.S.M.D. Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux - Be not the devil my master
V.R.S. Vade Retro, Satana! - Back, Satan!
N.S.M.V. Non Suade Mihi Vana - Do not tempt me with wicked deeds
S.M.Q.L. Sunt Mala Quae Libas - What you offer me is evil
I.V.B. Ipse Venena Bibas - Drink you yourself your poisons