FREE: Antique Vintage St. Benedict Medal Medallion / Pendant / Charm

The listing, Antique Vintage St. Benedict Medal Medallion / Pendant / Charm has ended.

Antique Vintage St. Benedict Medal Medallion / Pendant / Charm

This belonged to my parents and has been stored in my family homes for the past 50 - 60 years.

It is approx 11/16" in height and 7/16" in width.

It is stamped Italy on the front.

Based on the color and the weight I think that it is made of aluminum.

On the face of the medal is a relief image of St. Benedict.

In his right hand he holds the cross, The Christian's symbol of salivation. The cross reminds us of the zealous work of evangelizing and civilizing England and Europe carried out mainly by the Benedictine monk's and nuns, especially from the sixth to the ninth / tenth centuries.

In his left hand is his "rules for Monasteries" that could be summed up by the words "walk in Gods ways, with the Gospel as our guide."

At his feet are his Bishop Mitre and a Raven.

Encircling the figure of St Benedict, are the Latin words: Crux S.P. Benedicti which stands for The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict.

On the back of the medal the cross is dominant.

On the vertical arms are the initials C S S M L and on the horizontal arms are the initials N D S M D. These are the initial letters of a latin prayer: Crux sacra sit mihi lux ! Nunquam draco sit mihi dux ! meaning: 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 which stands for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti - The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict.

Above the cross are the letters IHS. Around the margin are the letters V R S N S M Y - S M Q L I V B which are the initial letters, of a Latin Prayer of exorcism against Satan: Vade retro Satana ! Nunquam suade mihi vana ! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas ! meaning: Begone Satan ! Never tempt me with your vanities ! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself !