The Medal of Saint Benedict is inscribed with prayers of exorcism, protection, and supplication in Latin, represented by initials and phrases. The symbolism is found on both the front and reverse sides of the medal.
Front side inscriptions
The front of the medal features an image of St. Benedict holding a cross and his rule. Surrounding this image are the following inscriptions:
"Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!": A Latin prayer meaning, "May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death!" This recalls St. Benedict's role as the patron of a happy death.
"Crux s. patris Benedicti" (abbreviated as C.S.P.B.): Meaning "The Cross of our holy father Benedict." This is often found above the image of the raven and cup.
The year MDCCCLXXX (1880) and "Ex SM Casino" (From holy Monte Cassino) often appear at the bottom, commemorating the medal's Jubilee design from that year.
Reverse side inscriptions
The reverse side features a large cross surrounded by a circle of text. At the top of the cross is the word for "peace".
PAX: Latin for "Peace," a traditional Benedictine motto.
C.S.S.M.L. on the vertical line of the cross: "Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux" or "May the holy Cross be my light!".
N.D.S.M.D. on the horizontal line: "Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux" or "Let not the dragon be my guide".
C.S.P.B. in the corners of the cross: "Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti," or "The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict".
The perimeter text: The initials around the edge form a powerful prayer of exorcism against Satan:
V.R.S.N.S.M.V.: "Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana!" ("Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities!").
S.M.Q.L.I.V.B.: "Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas!" ("What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!").
Symbolic meaning