His virtues caused an abbey to request him to lead them. Founded
the monastery at Monte Cassino, where he wrote the Rule of his
order. His discipline was such that an attempt was made on his
life; some monks tried by poison him, but he blessed the cup and
rendered it harmless. He returned to his cave, but continued to
attract followers, and eventually established twelve monasteries.
Had the ability to read consciences, prophesy, and forestall
attacks of the devil. Destroyed pagan statues and altars, drove
demons from groves sacred to pagans. At one point there were over
40,000 monasteries guided by the Benedictine Rule. A summation of
the Rule: "Pray and work."
The Saint Benedict Medal
One of the Sacramentals of the Roman Catholic
Church.
The front of the medal shows St. Benedict holding a
cross in one hand and the book of his Rule in the other. Flanking
him on each side are the words: Crux S. Patris Benedicti "The
Cross of the Holy Father Benedict".
Below his feet are these words: Ex S M Casino
MDCCCLXXX (From the Holy Mount of Cassino, 1880). On that date ,
Monte Cassino was given the exclusive right to produce this medal.
Inscribed in the circle surrounding Benedict are the words:
Ejus in obitu nostro presentia muniamur "May his presence protect us in the hour of death".
The other side of the medal is where the real
exorcistic force reveals itself. In the center is the Cross.
Benedict loved the Cross and used it to drive away demons.
The vertical beam of the Cross has five
letters:
C.S.S.M.L. meaning Crux Sacra Sit Mihi
Lux "May the holy Cross be for me a light".
The horizontal beam of the Cross also has five
letters:
N.D.S.M.D meaning Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux
"Let not the dragon be my guide".
The four large letters at the angles of the Cross:
C S P B stand for Crux Sancti Patris
Benedicti "The Cross of the Holy Father
Benedict".
Encircling the Cross in a circle around the right
margin are these letters:
V.R.S.N.S.M.V. meaning Vade retro Satana;
nunquam suade mihi vana
"Begone Satan! Suggest not to me thy vain things".
Around the left margin of the circle are these
letters:
S.M.Q.L.I.V.B., meaning Sunt mala quae
libas; ipse venena bibas
"The drink you offer is evil; drink that poison yourself".
At the top of the circle is the word PAX "Peace".
Novena to St. Benedict
(say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on
March 13 and ending on March 21, the Feast of St. Benedict.)
O glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of all virtues, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me, humbly kneeling at thy feet. I implore thy loving heart to pray for me before the throne of God. To thee I have recourse in all the dangers which daily surround me. Shield me against my enemies, inspire me to imitate thee in all things. May thy blessing be with me always, so that I may shun whatever God forbids and avoid the occasions of sin.
Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces of which I stand so much in need, in the trials, miseries and afflictions of life. Thy heart was always so full of love, compassion, and mercy toward those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. Thou didst never dismiss without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to thee. I therefore invoke thy powerful intercession, in the confident hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore
(mention your intentions here), if it be for the greater glory of God and the welfare of my soul.
Help me, O great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to be ever submissive to His holy will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.
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