St. Benedict Medal and the Heart of Provence
The last few weeks, we’ve been going to mass at one of my favorite (if not THE favorite) place in France. And no… it’s not Lourdes, it’s not Mont St. Michel, neither is it Carmel of Lisieux.
It’s a stunning, holy, vibrant Benedictine monastery tucked in the hills of Provence, Abbaye du Barroux.
These pious monks, praying and working in the vineyards and olive groves are a tangible sign of what we’re working for after our death. As their founder Dom Gerard said “Monasteries are silent fingers raised to the sky, a stubborn reminder that there is another world”.
They truly live out the charism St. Benedict instilled them with (and quite honestly, changed the course of Western Europe!). They are a great example how work and hospitality can become a prayer and make us holy. They take this to another level, I mean… just check out a day in their life!
St. Benedict, nearly 1500 years later remains a strong presence here, not just through his monasteries, but also through… the St. Benedict Medal!
On the medal, contains two powerful prayers. The first, “Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Nunquam draco sit mihi dux!” translates to “The Holy Cross be my light; Let not the dragon be my guide.”
The second prayer is just as moving: “Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas!” Meaning, “Begone, Satan, Never tempt me with thy vanities! Evil are the things thou offerest. Drink thou thy own poison!”
These prayers are also invoked during the rite of exorcism and are VERY efficacious against evil. Wearing this medal will have tangible effects in your life. Because this medal is a Sacramental, you’ll need to hand it to a priest to do a proper blessing.
If you’re already ‘capped out’ on the amount of medals you’re wearing, you can also hang one in your home or even keep on your key chain so you are protected outside the house!
Below are more beautiful options that will gird you with a little extra celestial “ammo.” These are found from the the Barroux (and if you’re ever here in person - you must dip into their shop after mass… jams and honey made by the nuns, olive oil, wine and bread from the monks and so much more!).
Question: Do you wear the St. Benedict Medal? Where did you get yours!