St.Benedict was in various ways tempted by the devil and always came out victorious. He always exhorted his disciples to sign their heart with the cross, in order to be freed from diabolical suggestions.

Since centuries, the devotion towards the “medal or cross of St.Benedict” is alive. Its efficacy was particularly manifest against the temptations of the evil spirit.

On the one side of the medal is represented the Saint with the cross and the monastic rule in his hands; on the lower part is a serpent coming out of a goblet, recalling the miracle accomplished by the Saint with the sign of the Cross. Then there is an inscription in Latin with the following meaning: “Cross of the Holy Father Benedict - may help us with his presence at the time of our death”.  

The other side of the medal, instead, has in the center a Cross, surmuonted by the word: Peace!  On the sides of thr Cross are engraved the following letters:

C.S.P.B = Cross of the Holy Father Benedict

On the vertical arm: C.S.S.M.L. = The holy cross be my light.

On the horizontal arm: N.D.S.M.D. = And not the devil be my chief

Inside the circle, beginning on the high from the right:

V.R.S.N.S.M.V.S.M.Q.L.I.V.B. = Vade Retro Satana; Numquam Suade Mihi Vana; Sunt Mala Quae Libas; Ipse Venenum Bibas = Get behind me, satan; you will never persuade me with vain things; the drinks you pour are evil; drink yourself your own poison.

Transcribe hereunder is the entire formula. When this brief prayer is commenced, one should sign oneself with the Sign of the Cross.

EJACULATORY - PRAYER

Cross of the Holy Father Benedict.

Holy Cross be my light and never should satan be my chief.

Get behind me, satan; you will never persuade me with vain things; are evil the drinks you pour me, drink yourself your own poison.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

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