Saint Benedict Medal Symbols and Letters

The Saint Benedict medal contains a cross, an image of Saint Benedict and Latin initials that abbreviate traditional Catholic prayers.

Letters on the Cross

Letters	Latin	English Meaning
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.
C S P B	Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti	The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict.

Letters	Latin	English Meaning
V R S N S M V	Vade Retro Satana, Non Suade Mihi Vana	Begone, Satan. Do not suggest vain things to me.
S M Q L I V B	Sunt Mala Quae Libas, Ipse Venena Bibas	What you offer is evil; drink the poison yourself.

Saint Benedict: Represents prayer, discipline and faithful Christian living.
The Cross: Represents faith in Christ.
The Rule: Represents Saint Benedict’s teachings about prayer, work and community.
The Cup: Refers to a traditional account of an attempted poisoning.
The Raven: Refers to another traditional story from Saint Benedict’s life.

The medal should be understood as a devotional reminder of faith and prayer, not as a magical object.

Why is Latin used on the medal?

Latin has long been used in Catholic prayer and worship, and the initials preserve traditional prayer phrases.

What does C S P B mean?

It stands for “The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict.”

What does Vade Retro Satana mean?

It means “Begone, Satan,” and forms part of a traditional prayer rejecting evil.

Are all Saint Benedict medals identical?

Design details may vary, but the principal symbols and initials are generally consistent.