What do the inscriptions on the Saint Benedict medal mean?

What does the front of the Saint Benedict medal mean?

On the recto of the medal is engraved the invocation: "Eius in obitu nro praesentia muniamur", which translates as: "In our death, may we be helped by his presence". This phrase captures the essence of the medal as a symbol of the fervent desire to be assisted by God at the hour of our death.

What does the reverse of the Saint Benedict medal signify?

On the verso of the medal, a series of letters surround a cross, each representing a specific prayer that reaffirms faith in Christ and rejects the temptations of evil. These inscriptions are:

• C S P B for "Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti" (Cross of the Holy Father Benedict), placed around the central cross.
• C S S M L in vertical for "Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux" (May the holy cross be my light), emphasising protection from evil.
• N D S M D in horizontal for "Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux" (May the dragon not be my guide), a prayer against deception.
• On the right, V R S N S M V stands for "Vade Retro Satana, Numquam Suade Mihi Vana" (Withdraw Satan, never advise me of your vanities), an exhortation to repel the evil one.
• On the left, S M Q L I V B translates as "Sunt Mala Quae Libas, Ipse Venena Bibas" (The beverages you offer are evil, drink your poisons yourself), a rejection of Satan's temptations.
• Finally, the word PAX (peace) crowns the medal, symbolising the ultimate aspiration for inner peace and eternal salvation. On some medals, PAX may be replaced by IHS, a monogram for "Iesus, Hominum Salvator" (Jesus the Saviour of Men), reinforcing the message of salvation and divine protection.