The Cross, so called, of Saint Benedict, engraved upon a medal for many ages past, has some little resemblance, in its form, to the Cross of the Holy Order of Jerusalem; it is particularly recommended because of its efficacity.

The letters in relief on the medal represent an equal number of Latin words, of which the following is the meaning. Between the four limbs of the cross, are the initials C. S. P. B., which signify: “Crux sancti Patris Benedicti;» in English: The Cross of Saint Benedict.

Upon the vertical line of the cross is engraved: C. S. S. M. L., which stand for: “Crux sacra sit mihi lux,” or, in English: May the holy Cross be my light.

Upon the horizontal line of the same cross the letters N. D. S. M. D. signify: “Non Draco sit mihi dux;” in English: May the devil not be my leader.

Upon the band of the ellipse, commencing at the top and turning to the left of the Cross, are the initials: 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 venena bibas;» in English: Depart, Satan; never inspire me with vanities. The things which Thou pourest out are bad, drink thy poisons thyself.

In the upper portion of the ellipse, are seen upon some medals a Cross † upon others the monogram I H S: both of them indicating that the virtue of this devotion depends entirely upon faith in Jesus Christ.

By a brief of Benedict XIV, dated the 12^th of March 1742, the use of the medal was sanctioned and encouraged by the richest indulgences; but this favour, added to the graces of which the medal is already the instrument, requires, in order to its application, the special benediction of a priest authorised to that effect by the Holy See. The Benedictines of the Congregation of Monte Cassino and those of the French Congregation enjoy this right, with the power of delegating it to priests who may make a request for it. The same Brief describes the medals, known by the name of the Cross of Saint Benedict, as presenting on one side the figure of the holy Patriarch, and on the other a cross with the letters or characters described above.

A long experience has proved how useful this medal is for delivering human bodies, houses, even animals from all diabolic influences; for curing those attacked by pestilence, and many other infirmities; for preservation from all danger of thunder; for fortifying us in temptations, and preserving purity of the mind and the heart (1).

The way in which to make use of this holy medal is to wear it, or to apply it to the persons or objects in which we are interested, praying to God always through the intercession and the merits of the most holy Patriarch. The Italian Fathers recommend that, in such circumstances, 5 Glorias should be recited in honor of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, 3 Aves to the most blessed Virgin Mary, and 3 Glorias in honor of Saint Benedict.

They also advise that those who can make it convenient to do so, should recite these prayers every day, or, at least, every Tuesday, because that day is specially consecrated to the memory of Saint Benedict in the whole of the monastic Order. We propose to add to these prayers the ejaculations attached to the medal, that is to say:

Crux sacra, sit mihi lux, non draco sit mihi dux.

Vade retro, Satana; numquam suade mihi vana:

Sunt mala, quae libas; ipse venena bibas.

But let no one confound this exhortation with the practices which are prescribed. For, to gain the indulgences attached to this devotion, it suffices to wear the medal of Saint Benedict, which ought to be made entirely of gold, of silver, of copper, or of some solid metal, and not of cardboard, or any other material, under penalty of nullity of the benediction and of the application of the indulgences.

Saint Benedict having promised to assist, at the hour of death, any one who should have invoked him during his life, we may make sure of this favor by every day reciting the following prayer, to which Pope Clement XIV has attached a plenary indulgence.

PRAYER

My beloved Father Saint Benedict, in consideration of the dignity with which the Lord has deigned to honor you and to beatify you by so glorious an end, I beg of you to deign to be present at my death, and to fulfil towards me all the promises you made to the virgin Saint Gertrude. Amen.

(l) See Origine et effets admirables de la Croix ou Medaille de Saint Benoit, by Dom Lelli Jacobuzi, abbot of Saint Paul on the Ostian way. Translated from Italian into French by M. d’Avrainville: 6th edition, revised and corrected by the abbe Janvier. — Price: 1 fr.