Religious Symbolism in Catholic Jewelry: Medals and Rosaries

The Dominican Rosary: A Prayer for Protection

A Dominican rosary features a St. Benedict medal, a symbol of prayer and invocation for God's blessing and protection. The medal depicts Saint Benedict in a posture of prayer, holding the Benedictine Cross in his right hand and the Rule of Saint Benedict in his left.

The Benedictine Cross: A Symbol of Power and Protection

The Saint Benedict medal contains the Benedictine Cross, also known as the Cross of Saint Benedict. This cross holds deep meaning for Catholics, as Saint Benedict was renowned for his power over the Devil. The cross features the words Pax (peace) and CS (crux sacra sit mihi lux) in its arms, indicating that the presence of the cross brings peace and protection.

Saint Benedict of Nursia: The Father of Western Monasticism

Benedict of Nursia, often referred to as Saint Benedict, was an Italian monk who lived from 480 to 547 AD. He is known as the Father of Western Monasticism for founding the Order of Saint Benedict and establishing the Rule of Saint Benedict, which became a widely adopted monastic rule throughout Europe.

Saint Bruno and the Vision of Saint Benedict

According to legend, Saint Bruno, the founder of the Carthusian Order, had a vision of Saint Benedict holding a radiant cross. Saint Benedict touched Bruno with the cross, instantly curing him of a serious illness. This vision is often depicted in art and is believed to symbolize Saint Benedict's healing and protective powers.

Symbolism on the Saint Benedict Medal

The front of the Saint Benedict medal typically depicts Saint Benedict holding a cross and the Rule of Saint Benedict. On the reverse side, there are additional symbols with specific meanings:

• The letters V and R (Vade retro Satana) mean "Begone, Satan," invoking protection against evil spirits.
• A raven holds a piece of bread in its beak, representing Saint Benedict's miraculous feeding of a poisoned loaf.
• A chalice with a snake inside symbolizes the poison that Saint Benedict neutralized by making the sign of the cross.