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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a St. Benedict crucifix?
A St. Benedict crucifix is a Catholic crucifix that incorporates the Medal of St. Benedict into the cross design — typically set behind Christ's head at the center of the cross. It combines two powerful sacramentals into one: the crucifix of Christ and the exorcism prayer of St. Benedict. The medal bears six groups of Latin initials that form a prayer against evil, including the famous 'Vade Retro Satana' (Begone Satan). It is the only crucifix in the Catholic tradition that contains a built-in exorcism prayer, making it the most powerful devotional crucifix available.
What do the letters on the St. Benedict medal mean?
The Latin initials on the St. Benedict medal form a complete prayer against evil. On the cross: CSSML means 'Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux' (May the Holy Cross be my light) and NDSMD means 'Nunquam Draco Sit Mihi Dux' (May the dragon never be my guide). In the four quadrants: CSPB means 'Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti' (The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict). Around the edge: VRSNSMV means 'Vade Retro Satana, Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana' (Begone Satan, never tempt me with your vanities) and SMQLIVB means 'Sunt Mala Quae Libas, Ipse Venena Bibas' (What you offer is evil, drink your own poison). PAX at the top means 'Peace' — the Benedictine motto.
Why is the St. Benedict crucifix called the Happy Death Crucifix?
St. Benedict is the patron saint of a happy death — the Catholic hope of dying in a state of grace, reconciled with God. Catholic tradition holds that a person's final hours are a time of intense spiritual battle, with strong temptations to despair and fear. The St. Benedict crucifix, with its exorcism prayer built into the medal, is the traditional crucifix held before a dying person's eyes or placed in their hands during this final struggle. The 'Happy Death Indulgence' is a plenary indulgence gained by holding a blessed crucifix while making an act of contrition at the moment of death.
Why do exorcists use the St. Benedict crucifix?
The St. Benedict crucifix is the preferred crucifix of exorcists because it is the only crucifix that contains an exorcism prayer as part of its design. The Medal of St. Benedict — set into the center of the cross — bears the Latin initials of a prayer that directly commands Satan to depart. Combined with the cross of Christ (the instrument of Satan's ultimate defeat), the St. Benedict crucifix is the most complete spiritual weapon against demonic forces in the Catholic sacramental tradition. The special Benedictine blessing for the medal adds further exorcistic power.
What styles of St. Benedict crucifixes do you carry?
Our collection includes three formats: wall crucifixes (cherry wood, walnut, black wood, resin, and enamel designs for hanging in your home), standing table crucifixes (for prayer corners, desks, nightstands, and home altars), and sick call sets (combining the St. Benedict crucifix with candles and a holy water bottle for the Anointing of the Sick). Sizes range from 8 inches to 13 inches and larger. Many feature hand-painted Italian corpuses. Enamel designs add striking blue, green, red, or gold color to the cross.
Where should I hang a St. Benedict crucifix in my home?
The most popular locations are the main living area (providing spiritual protection over the whole household), the bedroom (the traditional location for the Happy Death Crucifix, especially the master bedroom or an elderly family member's room), the entryway or front door area (St. Benedict's protection at the threshold of the home), and children's rooms (guarding against spiritual harm from an early age). Some families place St. Benedict crucifixes above every exterior door. There are no strict rules — place it wherever you want God's protection to be most visible.
Can a St. Benedict crucifix be blessed?
Yes, and it should be. Any Catholic priest or deacon can bless a St. Benedict crucifix, but the Benedictine blessing formula is especially powerful. This specific blessing includes an exorcism prayer over the medal: 'I exorcise these medals against the power and attacks of the evil one. May all who use these medals devoutly be blessed with health of soul and body.' A priest does not need to be a Benedictine to perform this blessing — any Catholic priest can use the Benedictine formula. The crucifix becomes a true sacramental once blessed.
What is the story of St. Benedict and the poisoned bread and wine?
When St. Benedict was abbot at a monastery, jealous monks tried to kill him twice by poisoning his food and drink. When Benedict made the Sign of the Cross over the poisoned bread, the bread shattered. When he blessed the cup of poisoned wine, the cup broke in his hands. These miracles — the origin of the famous images of Benedict holding a broken cup and a raven carrying poisoned bread — demonstrate the power of the cross and of Benedict's faith against evil. The medal and crucifix that bear his name carry this same protective power forward to the faithful today.
What is the difference between a St. Benedict crucifix and a regular crucifix?
A regular Catholic crucifix displays the corpus of Christ on the cross — the central symbol of the faith. A St. Benedict crucifix adds the Medal of St. Benedict to the cross design, incorporating the Benedictine exorcism prayer directly into the crucifix. This makes the St. Benedict crucifix both a devotional symbol of Christ's sacrifice and an active prayer against evil. No other crucifix design includes a built-in exorcism. The St. Benedict crucifix is also associated with the Happy Death tradition and is the preferred crucifix of exorcists.
Is a St. Benedict crucifix a good gift?
Yes — a St. Benedict crucifix is one of the most meaningful and protective Catholic gifts. It is especially fitting for housewarmings (placing God's protection over a new home), weddings (a crucifix the couple will rely on for life), the seriously ill and elderly (the Happy Death Crucifix tradition), Confirmation (strengthening a young Catholic against spiritual attack), RCIA (welcoming a new Catholic with the most powerful crucifix in the tradition), and for anyone going through a difficult spiritual season. Pair it with a St. Benedict rosary for the most complete spiritual protection gift in the Catholic tradition.