St. Benedict Necklace

Unique sacramental honoring St. Benedict.

Benedict was born in Nursia, Italy in 480. He was born into Roman nobility and was the twin brother of St. Scholastica. While studying in Rome he was disappointed by the corruption and temptations of the time. He withdrew from society and became a hermit in a cave near Subiaco and remained there for three years in the care of a monk named Romanus. He was known for his holiness, wisdom and miracles that spread far and wide. While in the cave, he was asked to be an abbot in a nearby community of monks. He accepted, but the monks resisted his strict rule and tried to poison him. By making the sign of the Cross over his meal as he said grace he was aware that the meal was poisoned. He left the community and in 530 Benedict began a great monastery at Monte Cassino, the birthplace of Western monasticism. There he wrote "the Holy Rule," a system employing prayer, study, work, moderate asceticism, community life, and common sense. The spirit of St. Benedict's Rule is summed up in the motto of the Benedictine Confederation: pax ("peace") and the traditional ora et labora ("pray and work").

St. Benedict is the patron against evil, temptation, protection against poison, against kidney disease and protector of Europe. His feast day is celebrated on July 11.

On the front of the medal is an image of the great "Father of the Monastic Life." In his right hand is a cross, beside which are the words Crux " Patris Benedicti" ("The Cross of the Father Benedict"); in his left hand is the book of the Benedictine rule. At his feet are represented a chalice and a raven, symbols of the priesthood and of hermit life. Around the edge are the words "Eius in Obitu Nostro Praesentia Muniamur" ("At our death may we be fortified by His presence").
On the back of the medal, the cross is dominant. On the arms of the cross are the initial letters of a rhythmic Latin prayer: Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Nunquam draco sit mihi dux! (May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my guide!). In the angles of the cross, the letters C S P B stand for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (The cross of our holy father Benedict).

This powerful St. Benedict sacramental makes a great gift for sacraments, birthdays, namesakes, teenagers and anyone who has a special devotion to St. Benedict. Wear this medal as a reminder of your faith and to call upon God's blessings and protection.

Hand cast St. Benedict medal in bronze is suspended from an 18" gold filled chain. Medal is 3/4". Necklace comes packaged.

PRAYER BY ST. BENEDICT

Gracious and Holy Father, give us the wisdom to discover You, the intelligence to understand You, the diligence to seek after You, the patience to wait for You, eyes to behold You, a heart to meditate upon You, and a life to proclaim You, through the power of the Spirit of Jesus, our Lord. Amen