From EWTN Vatican Fb.page: July 11 is the Feast of St. Benedict — and millions of Catholics around the world wear his medal. But do you know what it actually means? Known as the "devil-chasing medal," the St. Benedict Medal is one of the most powerful sacramentals in the Catholic Church. Its power comes not from the object itself, but from Christ, who works through the faith of the one who uses it. The Front: St. Benedict holds a cross. At his side are a broken cup—after monks tried to poison him, it shattered when he blessed it—and a raven carrying away a poisoned loaf, another failed attempt on his life. Around the edge is the inscription: Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur "May we be strengthened by his presence in our hour of death." The Back: A large cross bears the initials of the famous prayer: C.S.P.B. – Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti "The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict." C.S.S.M.L. – Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux "May the Holy Cross be my light." N.D.S.M.D. – Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux "May the dragon not be my guide." Around the border is the exorcism prayer: V.R.S. – Vade Retro, Satana! "Begone, Satan!" N.S.M.V. – Numquam Suade Mihi Vana! "Never tempt me with your vanities!" S.M.Q.L. – Sunt Mala Quae Libas. "What you offer is evil." I.V.B. – Ipse Venena Bibas! "Drink your own poison!" At the bottom is a single word: PAX — Peace. The medal was formally approved by Pope Benedict XIV in 1742. It became widely known after the miraculous healing of a young man named Brunone, who later entered the Benedictine Order and eventually became Pope St. Leo IX. St. Benedict, pray for us!
From Totus Tuus page: "One of the most revered sacramentals in the Catholic Church is the St. Benedict Medal, a blessed medal known for its strong protection against evil, temptation, and demonic influence. Its origin is deeply rooted in the life and miracles of St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–547), the Father of Western Monasticism, whose feast we celebrate today, July 11. According to tradition, envious monks once attempted to poison St. Benedict. As he made the Sign of the Cross over the poisoned cup, it shattered into pieces — a powerful sign of Christ’s victory over evil. Centuries later, in the 17th century, a Benedictine nun received a vision in which St. Benedict appeared and revealed the design and meaning of the medal. Pope Benedict XIV officially approved and enriched the medal with indulgences in 1742. The Symbols Explained: ⬩ Front: St. Benedict holding the Holy Rule in one hand and a cross in the other. To his right is a raven (which carried away poisoned bread meant for him), and at his feet a broken cup (the shattered poisoned chalice). ⬩ Inscription: “Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur” (“May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death”). ⬩Back: The powerful exorcism formula “VRSNSMV – SMQLIVB” stands for “Vade Retro Satana! Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana. Sunt Mala Quae Libas. Ipse Venena Bibas.” (“Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities. What you offer is evil. Drink the poison yourself!”). ⬩ It also features the Cross of St. Benedict with the letters CSPB (“Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti”). The medal is especially recommended for exorcism and deliverance. Exorcists often use it in ministry, and the faithful wear it or place it in homes for protection against spiritual attacks. Many testimonies speak of healings, conversions, and freedom from oppression through its devout use. On this feast day, let us honor St. Benedict and invoke his powerful intercession. “The Cross is my light. May the demon not be my guide.” St. Benedict, pray for us and protect us from all evil!"
