Saint Benedict Medal in domed enamelled metal. Diameter 2,2 cm

Enameled silver-plated metal Saint Benedict medal. It is not the classic flat medal, but has a domed shape that makes it distinctive and different from all other medals on the market. The medal has a small ring so it can be attached to a chain and worn around the neck (chain not included). Due to its small size, it is also practical to keep in a wallet or coin purse. The medal is extremely detailed and carefully finished. This medal comes with a pouch and card explaining its meaning. Made in Italy by a crafts company with long-standing experience in the sector. On the front of the medal is Saint Benedict, holding a cross in his right hand, the Christian symbol of salvation, and his monastic rule in his left. To Benedict’s right, beneath the cross, is a poisoned cup, a reference to the legend that hostile monks attempted to poison him and that the cup containing poisoned wine shattered when the saint made the sign of the cross over it. To his left, beneath the rule, is the raven carrying away a loaf of poisoned bread. This is the origin of the tradition that the medal protects against poisoning. Above the cup and the raven are the words CRUX SANCTI PATRIS BENEDICTI ("The cross of [nostro] Holy Father Benedict"). Around the figure of Saint Benedict are the words EIUS IN OBITU NRO (nostro) PRAESENTIA MUNIAMUR ("May we be strengthened by his presence at the hour of our death"), as the Benedictines considered him a special protector for a happy death. On the back is a cross containing the letters C S S M L - N D S M D, the initials of the words Crux sacra sit mihi lux - Numquam draco sit mihi dux ("May the holy cross be my light! May the devil never be my master!"). The large C S P B stands for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti ("The cross of [nostro] Holy Father Benedict"). Around the back of the medal are the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B, referring to Vade retro Satana - Numquam suade mihi vana - Sunt mala quae libas - Ipse venena bibas ("Begone, Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!") Finally, at the top is the word PAX, meaning "peace."