Rhodium-Plated 925 Sterling Silver St. Benedict Woodgrain Crucifix Pendant Necklace

On the back of the medal is Saint Benedict holding a cross in his right hand, the Christian symbol of salvation, and in the left his Rule for Monasteries. To Benedict's right, below the cross, is a poisoned cup, a reference to the legend that hostile monks attempted to poison him, and the cup containing poisoned wine shattered when the saint made the sign of the cross over it. To his left, below the rule, the raven that carried off a loaf of poisoned bread. From this is derived the tradition that the medal protects against poisoning.

On the front is a cross, containing the letters C S S M L - N D S M D, initials of the words 'May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my overlord!'.The large C S P B stand for 'The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict'. Surrounding the back of the medal are the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B, in reference to 'Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!' and finally, located at the top is the word PAX which means 'peace'.

The medal represents a prayer on the part of the user to invoke God’s blessing and protection through the intercession of St. Benedict. There are no special rules prescribed for its use. It may be worn on a chain around the neck, carried on one's person, placed in one’s vehicle, home, or in one’s place of business.

St. Benedict, pary for us!