This elegant Benedictine Medal Cross necklace is composed of a cable chain of interconnected oval rope links perfectly paired with a large cross of poinsettias and lilies featuring at the center, a St. Benedict Medal. The cross and medal are cast in stunningly fine detail in German silver.
The St. Benedict medal represents a prayer to invoke God's blessing and protection through the intercession of St. Benedict.
The front of the St. Benedict Medal is stamped with a cross on which is superimposed the letters CSSML on the upright beam and NDSMD on the cross beam. The letters stand for the Latin words Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux: Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux which means "May the Holy Cross be My Light: Let Not the Devil Be My Guide."
The letters CSPB in the four ovals around the cross stand for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti, the Latin for "Cross of the Holy Father Benedict."
Around the outer edge of the medal are the letters VRSNSMV--SMQLIVB which stand for the Latin Vade Retro Satane (Begone Satan) Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana (Never Suggest Vain Things To Me), Sunt Mala Quae Libas (What You Offer Me is Evil )Ipse Venena Bibas (Drink Your Own Poison).
At the top of the medal is stamped the Benedictine motto, "PAX" meaning "PEACE." The rule of St. Benedict is "By God's grace, I am what I am."
The chain is 36" long. The pendant is 3 1/2" long, including the bail and 2 1/2" wide.
The Benedictine Medal Cross necklace is designed and hand crafted by family-owned Ala Blanca Designs. Each piece of Ala Blanca jewelry is originally designed and made by hand with old world craftsmanship. The Ala Blanca artisans have been creating inspired sacred jewelry for two generations in South Texas. Most pieces complement others in the collection to create a coordinated look. The materials used are primarily German silver and tombaga, a pre-Columbian South American gold alloy. Stones are Swarovski crystal. Polish as you would sterling. Genuine Ala Blanca jewelry bears a winged charm, the hallmark of Ala Blanca artisans.