Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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ST. BENEDICT'S MEDAL
A frequently indulgenced medal that bears the image of the Father of Western Monasticism. In his right hand is a cross, next to which is the inscription "Crux Patris Benedicti" (The Cross of the Father Benedict). In his left hand is a copy of the Rule of St. Benedict. At his feet are images of a chalice and raven, symbols of the priesthood and the life of a hermit. Around the edge of the medal are the words "Elius in Obitu Nostro Praesentia Muniamur," referring to Christ (At our death may we be strengthened by his presence). On the reverse side is a cross on whose vertical bar are the initial letters of the invocation, "Crux Sancta Sit Mihi Lux" (The Holy Cross be my light). On the horizontal bar are the initials of "Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux" (Let not the dragon be my guide), referring to Satan. Around the medal are other letters signifying other Latin sayings. At the top is usually the single word Pax (Peace), the characteristic motto of St. Benedict; or the monogram IHS, the first three letters in Greek of the name Jesus.
