On the obverse, the medal depicts St Benedict and on the reverse there is a picture of the cross. Written above the cross is: Pax – Peace. Inscribed within the four angles of the cross are the letters C S P B, standing for Crux sancti Patris Benedicti – the Cross of the Holy Father Benedict. On the stem of the cross, reading from top to bottom, are the letters CSSML and on the horizontal arms: NDSMD, meaning: Crux sancta mihi lux – Non draco sit mihi dux, standing for Let the cross be my light – the dragon be not my guide. The letters in the circle V · R · S · N · S ·M · V · S · M · Q · L · I · V · B are abbreviations for
Vade retro satana, non suae mihi vaṅa,
Sunt mals quae libas, ipse venena bibas.
Avaunt Satan, point me never to the vain
Ill is what you offer, drink yourself your bane.
The medal symbolically figures the life of St Benedict and his message. For his life he relies on Christ and His redemptive act. Christ is in the centre of his life and thinking. St Benedict looks to Christ, invokes and has recourse to Him, calling upon us to do the same.
