The St. Benedict Medal Explained (feat. Fr. Boniface Hicks)

Summary

Father Boniface Hicks discusses the significance of the St. Benedict Medal, blessed by Pope Francis, in the spiritual tradition. The medal, with its ancient and recent history, features the Cross of Christ and the letters CSPB, symbolizing protection against evil. It embodies the battle between love and evil, with inscriptions invoking the power of the Holy Cross for light and guidance. The medal also includes an exorcism prayer, empowering Christians to resist Satan's temptations. Father Hicks emphasizes St. Benedict's role as a patron of a happy death, offering strength in the face of spiritual battles and the communion with Christ and the saints.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Father Boniface Hicks discusses the significance of the St. Benedict Medal, which is blessed by Pope Francis and carries spiritual importance.
• ✝️ The medal features a cross with the inscription 'CSPB', which stands for 'Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux', meaning 'May the holy cross be my light' in Latin.
• 🐍 The cross on the medal represents the power of Christ and his victory over evil, symbolizing the protection against the devil's temptations.
• 🔠 The medal also includes additional inscriptions that form a rhyme, providing a prayer for protection against the serpent (Satan) and asking for guidance from the Holy Cross.
• 🕊️ The peace of St. Benedict, 'Pax Benedicta', is a central theme, emphasizing the tranquility and order that comes from living a Christian life.
• 👹 An exorcism prayer is inscribed on the medal, commanding Satan to retreat and not tempt the wearer, reflecting the strength of faith against evil.
• 🛡️ The medal serves as a spiritual weapon and a guide in the ongoing battle between good and evil, light and darkness.
• 🙌 The medal is a reminder of St. Benedict's intercession and his role as the patron of a happy death, offering support and sanctification at the moment of passing.
• 🔔 The St. Benedict Medal is a sacramental that draws its power from the cross of Christ, emphasizing the role of the cross in the life of St. Benedict and its significance in performing miracles and blessings.
• ⏳ The medal, especially the newer inscriptions, serves as a reminder of the eternal presence of St. Benedict and the communion of saints, guiding the wearer in their spiritual journey.

Q & A

Who blessed the medals mentioned in the script?

The medals were blessed by Pope Francis.

What is the significance of the metal used in the Benedictine medals?

The metal has an ancient history and is significant due to its markings, which include a cross and the letters CSPB, representing 'Crux Santi Patris Benedicti' or 'The Cross of Holy Father Benedict'.

What do the letters 'CSPB' stand for on the Benedictine medal?

The letters 'CSPB' stand for 'Crux Santi Patris Benedicti' in Latin, which translates to 'The Cross of Holy Father Benedict'.

What is the spiritual battle symbolized by the inscriptions on the medal?

The inscriptions symbolize the battle between love and evil, light and darkness, with the goal of Christ being to heal and unite, while the goal of evil is to divide, separate, isolate, shame, and destroy.

What is the significance of the sign of the cross in the life of St. Benedict?

The sign of the cross was central to St. Benedict's life, used to expose evil, bless monks, and work miracles. It represents the power of Christ's love and redemption.

How does the sign of the cross reveal the love of God according to the script?

The sign of the cross reveals the love of God by being a symbol of Christ's victory over evil and a source of redemption, guiding and leading the path for believers.

What is the meaning of the inscriptions on the crossbar of the medal?

The inscriptions on the crossbar, 'NRAO SE Miki' and 'NCO miky', mean 'May the serpent not be my guide', referring to the story of St. Benedict where evil was exposed through the sign of the cross.

What does the 'PAX' at the top of the medal signify?

The 'PAX' signifies 'Peace of Benedict', which ultimately refers to the Peace of Christ, symbolizing tranquility and order in living the Christian life.

What is the purpose of the exorcism inscription on the medal?

The exorcism inscription, 'V RSN s MV s mq l i VB', serves as a powerful statement to cast out the enemy, Satan, and to resist temptations, empowering Christians to stand against evil.

What is the significance of St. Benedict being the Patron of a happy death?

St. Benedict is considered the Patron of a happy death because he can help sanctify the most important moment of one's life when handing over one's life to the Lord, as he himself did in the presence of his brethren.

What is the more recent addition to the medal mentioned in the script?

The more recent addition to the medal is the inscription on the front, which was created in Monte Cassino in 1880, and it includes a prayer for being fortified by St. Benedict's presence at the time of death.