MEANING The Medal of Saint Benedict is one of the well-known Catholic prayers for exorcism and healing. As said by Saint Peter, “the devil that prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour, “ the Church prayed for devotion to the medal given that the life of Saint Benedict of Nursia was an inspiration to get rid of evil and temptation. Pope Leo IX was the first pope seen wearing the medal that made a huge impact on its prominence in the Church. 2 ORIGINS The exact origins of the St. Benedict medal are uncertain, although it is said that the first medal was worn by the 11th century Pope, Leo IX, who attributed his miraculous recovery from a snake bite to the said medal. St. Benedict medals of various types have been in use ever since, but the one in its current form, known as the Jubilee medal, was not struck until 1880 when it was created to honor the 1,400th anniversary of St. Benedict’s birth. 3 THE MEDAL OF SAINT BENEDICT ★ FRONTSIDE OF THE MEDAL 1. On the face of the medal is the image of Saint Benedict. On his right hand is the cross, the Christian’s symbol for salvation. The cross reminds us of the zealous work of Benedictine monks and nuns evangelizing and civilizing England and Europe, especially from the sixth to the ninth/tenth centuries. 2. On his left hand is his Holy Rule that could well be summed up in the words of the Prologue exhorting us to “walk in God’s ways, with the Gospel as our guide.” 3. On a pedestal to the right of St. Benedict is the poisoned cup, shattered when he made the sign of the cross over it. On a pedestal to the left is a raven about to carry away a loaf of poisoned bread that a jealous enemy sent to St. Benedict. INSCRIPTIONS ON THE FRONT Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (Cross of the Holy Father Benedict) Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur (May we at our death be fortified by his presence) Ex-S-M-Casino MDCCCLXXX (from holy Monte Cassino, 1880). The medal struck to commemorate the 1400th anniversary of the birth of Saint Benedict.) ★ BACKSIDE OF THE MEDAL 1. On the back of the medal, the cross is dominant. On the arms of the cross are the initial letters of a rhythmic Latin prayer: Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux (The Holy Cross be my light) Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux (May the dragon never be my guide!) PAGE 1 DAVESUN DIWAS – 8-12 St. Godfrey of Amiens – CHRISTIAN LIVING QUARTERLY EXAM REVIEWER CHRISTIAN LIVING 8 1ST QUARTER - Davesun Diwas - 8-12 - Ms. Javellana 2. Outside of the cross, these letters are inscribed: Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict) 3. Above the cross is the word, PAX (peace) that has been a Benedictine motto for centuries. 4. Around the margin of the back of the medal are the initial letters of a Latin prayer of exorcism against Satan: Vade Retro Satana, Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana (Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities!) Sunt Mala Quae Libas, Ipse Venena Bibas (What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!) 4 MIRACLES OF THE MEDAL OF SAINT BENEDICT St. Peter, in his letter, tells his newly converted Christian community to be sober and watchful because, “your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil is real, and he wants to destroy who believes in God through any means possible. That’s why it is so important that we fight back with the spiritual weapons of prayer and faith. One of the powerful weapons in spiritual combat is St. Benedict’s medal. Honored and used for centuries, this medal has been associated with many miracles as well as with powers of exorcism. The medal bears an exorcism prayer of firm rejection of evil, a prayer of petition that we may, with Christian courage, “walk in God’s ways, with the Gospel as our guide,” as St. Benedict urges us. “The Benedictine medal is the only sacramental I am aware of that actually includes an exorcism on it. And very clearly, it has a powerful effect on the demonic. Many of us in this ministry put stickers with the symbol of the Benedictine medal on our phones and computers. When using our electronic devices, we have had more than a little demonic harassment. Also, we often use a crucifix with a Benedictine medal on it during our exorcisms. We encourage our laity to use these medals as well. St. Benedict, patron of exorcisms, pray for us!” - Testimony by Msgr. Rossetti, Chief exorcist 1 5 PURPOSE OF THE MEDAL The purpose of using the medal is to call down God’s blessing and protection upon us, wherever we are, and upon our homes and possessions, especially through the intercession of St. Benedict. It can be worn on a chain around the neck, attached to one’s rosary, kept in one’s pocket or purse, or placed in one’s car or home. Some of the faithful often put the medal into the foundations of houses and buildings, on the walls of barns and sheds, or in one’s place of business. By the conscious and devout use of the medal, it becomes, as it were, a constant silent prayer and reminder to us of our dignity as followers of Christ. The Medal of St. Benedict can serve as a constant reminder of the need for us to take up our cross daily and “follow the true King, Christ our Lord,” and thus learn “to share in his heavenly kingdom,” as St. Benedict urges us in the Prologue of his Rule. PAGE 2 DAVESUN DIWAS – 8-12 St. Godfrey of Amiens – CHRISTIAN LIVING QUARTERLY EXAM REVIEWER CHRISTIAN LIVING 8 1ST QUARTER - Davesun Diwas - 8-12 - Ms. Javellana L2: THE FILIPINO MARIAN DEVOTIONS 1 WHO IS MARY Numerous women have attained renown in our country’s history. The recent personalities shown are but three of the many. This is true as well in our Christian tradition. We have devoted ourselves as a nation to one woman-she who bore the savior of humanity of sin. Let us be worthy of the title of the Filipino people ‘PUEBLO AMANTE DE MARIA’ (People in love with Mary). Let us love her because she is the one who has brought God into the world by her obedience and she is the one who constantly intercedes for us before Jesus,” Our Lady has truly captivated the hearts of many devotees through the centuries. Altars in Filipino homes are decorated with images of the Blessed Mother, especially those that represent one’s region, and children grow up praying the Rosary every day or as frequently as possible 2 MARIAN CHURCHES 1. The National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage “Antipolo Cathedral” 2. Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, La Naval de Manila – (Quezon City) 3. Our Lady of Montserrat, Titular Patroness of the Benedictine Monks at the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat, Manila 4. Nuestra Señora, Reina de las Visayas - The Mother of Visayas 5. Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria: A Mother to all Ilonggos 3 WHY FOLLOW MARY? “To celebrate Mary is to celebrate the closeness and tenderness of God who is with His people, who does not leave us alone, who has given us a Mother who cares for us and accompanies us.” -Pope Francis Mary is viewed as an intercessor, advocating for the faithful before her Son, Jesus. The veneration of Mary reflects a deep respect for her role in God's plan, rather than worship, which is reserved for God alone. Through Mary, we are given hope that someone is at our side during these conflicting and uncertain times. Hence, the famous Marian Latin proverb: Ad Iesum per Mariam Towards Jesus through Mary!