Description
This medal of St Benedict reproduces an original design by the French sculptor and engraver Fernand Py (1887-1949).
The face of the medal represents Saint Benedict in profile, covered with the hood of his cowl, with a crosier on the left and a monastic coat of arms on the left. The whole is surrounded by the inscription: S. BENEDICTUS, MONACHORUM PATRIARCHA – PAX [Saint Benedict, patriarch of the monks – Peace].
The reverse shows the traditional cross of St Benedict and its inscriptions:
CSPB: Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict)
CSSML: Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux! (May the holy cross be my light!)
NDSMD: Non [Nunquam] Draco Sit Mihi Dux! (May the dragon never be my overlord!)
VRS: Vade Retro Satana! (Begone satan!)
NSMV: Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana! (Never tempt me with your vanities!)
SMQL: Sunt Mala Quae Libas. (What you offer me is evil.)
IVB: Ipse Venena Bibas! (Drink your poisons yourself.)
metal, 20mm diameter
