The mysterious Latin initials on the Saint Benedict Medal hold a powerful exorcism prayer.

Cultures · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For centuries, the Saint Benedict Medal has served as a sacramental object believed to ward off evil, disease, and temptation. While its origins are shrouded in mystery, the medal features a complex series of Latin initials that reveal a potent formula of protection, long used by Christians across various denominations.

The medal’s history is tied to a 1415 manuscript, the Mettener Armenbibel, discovered at St. Michael's Abbey in Metten in 1647. This document finally decoded a sequence of mysterious letters that had appeared on earlier versions of the medal. These initials represent a Latin exorcism prayer, most notably the phrase Vade retro satana, or 'Begone, Satan.' The prayer itself appears in earlier folklore, including a thirteenth-century legend regarding the Devil's Bridge at Sens, where a priest used the words to drive away the devil.

The medal’s design is rich with symbolism. The front depicts Saint Benedict holding a cross and his Rule for Monasteries. Beside him are a shattered cup and a raven, references to legends where the saint survived attempts on his life via poisoned wine and bread. Surrounding these figures are inscriptions invoking the saint's presence at the hour of death. The reverse side features a cross moline surrounded by initials for prayers such as 'May the holy cross be my light' and 'Never tempt me with your vanities.'

While the medal was used for decades, its formal ecclesiastical approval came from Pope Benedict XIV in 1741 and 1742. A popular version, the Jubilee medal, was struck in 1880 to commemorate the 1400th anniversary of the saint's birth. Today, the medal is used by various groups, including Latin Catholics, Lutherans, and Anglicans. It can be worn, carried, or placed in homes and vehicles. It is not merely a charm; it represents a prayer for divine protection and, when blessed by a priest or deacon, is associated with a partial indulgence for the faithful.

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