Benedict of Nursia is regarded as the father of Western monasticism and was declared Patron of Europe by Pope Paul VI in 1964. As the St Benedict medal, he remains a familiar companion to many believers to this day.
Who was Benedict of Nursia?
Benedict was born around 480 in Nursia (today Norcia in Umbria). He left his studies in Rome, lived for some years as a hermit in Subiaco and then founded several monasteries. Around 529 the monastery of Monte Cassino came into being, where he died around 547.
For his monks he wrote the Rule of St Benedict, a short, moderate set of guidelines for community life with prayer and work. The motto “Ora et labora” (pray and work) later summed up this outlook, but it does not appear word for word in the Rule. Almost all Western religious orders draw on it.
Legend and tradition
Pope Gregory the Great tells of Benedict’s miracles in his Dialogues. A poisoned cup is said to have shattered when Benedict made the sign of the cross over it, and a raven is said to have carried away a poisoned loaf. These are stories, not established events, but they shape how he is depicted.
Feast day
The feast day of St Benedict is 11 July. Until the calendar reform of 1969 it was celebrated on 21 March, the day of his death. Regional and denominational calendars may differ.
Patronage
- Europe (since 1964)
- Monks and monasteries
- Teachers, pupils and scholars
- Intercessor in danger and against evil (St Benedict medal)
“Patron saint” means that people ask this saint to intercede for them with God. No guarantee or promise of miracles is attached to it.
Attributes and depiction
Benedict is shown in the black Benedictine habit with an abbot’s staff and the book of the Rule. Added to these are the shattered cup with a snake and the raven with bread.
A short prayer
St Benedict, you brought prayer and work into harmony. Help me to live with moderation and calm, to seek what is good and to listen attentively. Pray for us and for our Europe. Amen.
A simple prayer in our own words, to pray along.
Customs
The St Benedict medal shows Benedict with a cross and the Rule on one side, and on the other a cross with letters whose meaning forms a prayer of blessing, for example “Crux sacra sit mihi lux” (may the holy cross be my light). Many people wear it as a pendant, hang it on their keyring or fix it in the car.
On 11 July monasteries celebrate their solemnity. At Monte Cassino and in many Benedictine abbeys there are pilgrimages and blessings.
Matching items at LUNEXUS
- St Benedict car medal Ø 3 cm – blessed medal & magnet
- St Benedict keyring, gold & enamel, 9 cm – blessed medal
- Crucifix cross necklace with St Benedict medal 10.5 × 6.5 cm, enamel
- Dark brown wooden rosary with St Benedict cross 50 cm – blessed
- Lava stone bracelet with St Benedict crucifix 16 cm – blessed
Many, but not all, of our items are blessed in our own warehouse by a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Fulda. A business-card-sized certificate card showing the date of the blessing is then enclosed; whether an item is blessed is stated in its title or description. Shipped via Amazon's logistics network – free within Germany, €5.90 to Austria and France; Italy €6.90, Spain €6.90. Returns are possible within 30 days.
More to choose from: all St Benedict items and all patron saints. Parishes and groups will find an offer on request on the quantity discount page (does not apply to wooden statues from the woodcarving workshop).
Keep reading in the magazine: Christian medals and their meaning
Frequently asked questions
When is St Benedict’s Day?
The feast day is 11 July. Until the calendar reform of 1969 it was celebrated on 21 March; some monasteries still keep that date as well.
What does the St Benedict medal mean?
It is a sacramental, a sign of faith. The letters on the cross stand for Latin words of blessing. It does not replace the sacraments, but it accompanies prayer.
Why is Benedict the Patron of Europe?
Pope Paul VI declared him so in 1964, because the Benedictines decisively shaped education, agriculture and culture in Europe.
Sources: Ökumenisches Heiligenlexikon (Ecumenical Lexicon of Saints), the Martyrologium Romanum and the regional calendar for the German-speaking area. We flag legends as such; prayers are, unless stated otherwise, our own simple wording. Compiled by Denis & Belinda, as of October 2026.
