Eleventh-century Pope Leo IX was the first Pope to wear the medal after a miraculous cure from a snake bite. Even though the Church is unsure of its exact origins, various forms of the medal have been worn ever since.
The Jubilee medal, created in 1880, is the current medal worn. On the back of the medal, there are very powerful exorcism prayers.
The faithful may recite these prayers at anytime to ward off evil. Many people also hang the blessed medals in their homes, bury them in building foundations, and put them on other sacramentals (such as Rosaries). It is also common to wear the Benedictine medal.
Latin guidance and exorcism prayers are inscribed on the back of the Benedictine medal.
The guidance prayers:
C. S. S. M. L. (Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux):
“The Holy Cross be my light”
N. D. S. M. D. (Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux)
“May the dragon never be my guide!”
The Latin Exorcism Prayers:
Saint Benedict said the following words after monks tried killing him. Once he realized they poisoned his drink, he said this:
V. R. S. (Vade Retro Satan):
“Get behind me, Satan!”
N. S. M. V. (Not Suade Mihi Vana):
“Never tempt me with your vanities!”
S. M. Q. L. (Sunt Mala Quae Libas):
“What you offer me is evil.”
I. V. B. (Ipse Venena Bibas):
“Drink the poison yourself!”
Click here for a full breakdown of the Benedictine medal’s meaning.
Exorcist Msgr. Stephen Rossetti also explains the power and meaning of the Benedictine prayers in this video. The medal is commonly used in exorcisms.
He explains why:
@msgrrossetti Demons hate the St. Benedict Medal #stbenedict #demons #sacramental ♬ original sound – Msgr Stephen Rossetti
(Source for text: churchpop.com)
See also:
- The Medal of Saint Benedict
- The Meaning of the Saint Benedict Medal and the Supernatural Power Against Evil
- Monks and Nuns Are the Only Ones Who ‘Own Nothing and Are Happy’
- Prayer is power!
- Wooden Rosaries – Blessed by a Priest – With St Benedict Medal