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Secondary sourceArtifact1742 (approved); 1880 Jubilee design

Saint Benedict Medal

1742 (approved); 1880 Jubilee design

A Christian devotional medal approved in 1742, bearing symbols and an exorcism formula linked to Benedict's protective reputation.

This medal and its stained-glass depiction show Benedict's lasting role as a protective figure in popular Christian devotion.

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Stained glass window showing Saint Benedict in a dark hooded robe, holding a cross in his right hand and an open book in his left, with a halo above. Latin letters surround a circular frame, and a raven and cup appear beside him. Inscription reads Ex SM Casino MDCCCLXXX.
Saint Benedict Medal design, 1880 Jubilee, shown in stained glass at Saint Benedict's Parish, Chesapeake, Virginia.

About this source

What it is

The Saint Benedict Medal is a Christian sacramental medal carrying symbols and text related to Benedict of Nursia's life, approved in 1742, with a design from the 1880 Jubilee shown here in a stained-glass window depicting Benedict holding a cross and an open book.

Why it matters

Used by Catholics and several other Christian traditions, the medal reflects Benedict's popular image as a protector against curses, evil, and disease. It shows how a historical monastic founder became, over centuries, a figure of popular devotion and folk belief, far beyond his original role as a rule-writer for monks.

Look closer

  • What symbols (cross, book, raven, cup) appear around Benedict, and what might each represent?
  • Why might people want an object believed to protect against evil or disease?
  • What does this devotion tell you about the difference between the historical Benedict and the legendary Benedict of popular belief?

This artifact is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Saint Benedict on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Open pages of a medieval Latin manuscript on aged parchment, with handwritten black text in columns, red initials and rubrics, and a large decorated illuminated initial on the left page. The text appears to be a copy of a monastic rule.Book

Primary source

Rule of Saint Benedict

Benedict of Nursia · c. 600

A large monastery complex with a central dome and bell tower sits on top of a wooded hill under a clear blue sky. Dense green trees cover the hillside below the long pale building.Artifact

Secondary source

Monte Cassino

founded c. 529/530

Detail of a faded fresco showing a hooded, bald monk in a cream-colored robe seated at a white-draped table, holding a small cup. To the left, a woman in a blue blouse and orange skirt pours from a jug. Behind the table, a young man in green holds a tray, and another figure stands in a dark red robe. At the right edge, an older seated man in a light robe is partly visible.Painting

Secondary source

Fresco Cycle of the Life of St Benedict at Monte Oliveto Maggiore

Luca Signorelli and Sodoma · 1497-1505 (fresco cycle); abbey founded 1313

A dim, orange-lit chamber shows a large metal reliquary chest with three decorative hinged straps and studded ornamental fittings, set on a stone plinth. A brass plaque reads 'RELIQUES DE SAINT BENOIT 480-547'.Artifact

Secondary source

Reliquary of Saint Benedict at Fleury

A large, wrinkled parchment spread out on a dark background, with faded reddish and brown ink lines forming architectural plans of buildings, rooms, and circular features. Some handwritten text is visible at the lower left edge.Artifact

Secondary source

Plan of Saint Gall

c. 820-830

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