This traditional devotional prayer honors Saint Benedict of Nursia, the sixth-century founder of Western monasticism and author of the Rule of Saint Benedict. Its particular author is unknown, but its petitions reflect the Benedictine desire for humility, fidelity, and perseverance in grace. The accompanying formula comes from the Medal of Saint Benedict, an ancient Benedictine sacramental centered on the Cross of Christ and resistance to the devil. Catholics pray it for Saint Benedict’s intercession in temptation, danger, suffering, and special needs. The medal’s inscriptions express a firm renunciation of evil and trust in the saving power of Christ’s holy Cross.
Glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of virtue, 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 towards 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, confident in the hope that thou wilt hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I so earnestly implore, 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.
St. Benedict Medal:
Crux sacra sit mihi lux.
Non draco sit mihi dux.
Vade retro, Satana!
Numquam suade mihi vana.
Sunt mala quae libas.
Ipse venena bibas.
English:
May the holy Cross be my light.
May the dragon never be my guide.
Begone, Satan!
Never tempt me with thy vanities.
What thou offerest me is evil.
Drink the poison thyself.
Letters on the Medal:
C.S.P.B.: Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti, The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict.
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 never be my guide.
V.R.S.: Vade Retro, Satana, Begone, Satan.
N.S.M.V.: Numquam Suade Mihi Vana, Never tempt me with thy vanities.
S.M.Q.L.: Sunt Mala Quae Libas, What thou offerest me is evil.
I.V.B.: Ipse Venena Bibas, Drink the poison thyself.
PAX: Peace.
In Latin
Crux sacra sit mihi lux.
Non draco sit mihi dux.
Vade retro, Satana!
Numquam suade mihi vana.
Sunt mala quae libas.
Ipse venena bibas.
When to pray it: Pray this prayer when seeking Saint Benedict’s intercession against temptation, spiritual danger, affliction, or any particular need.
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