Saint Benedict

[marica_mandic]

He is born in Italy.
He wrote the Rule, seventhy-three chapters.
Two kinds of wisdom - spiritual( how to live a Christocentic life on earth)
- administrative( how to run a monastery efficiently)
More then half of book describe how to be humble and obedient.
On one side of medal of saint Benedict has an image of St. Benedict
the other side of the medal has initials.
To this day, the Rule of Saint Benedict is the most used rule by monasteries.

 

[puzzleannie]

the initials on the medal have a meaning, check out the spirituality forum links on oblates and secular orders, there is a thread on Benedictine Spirituality, and on it an explanation of the medal and the blessing, with exorcism, that comes with it. There is also a social group for Benedictine Oblates on the forums. This is a wonderful way to join with lay people throughout history who have put the Holy Rule into effect in our daily lives.

this is an English translation of the message which the initials stand for (the original is Latin of course) around the rim:
Begone, Satan, suggest to me not thy vain things; the cup thou profferest me is evil, drink now thy poison."
The story as related by St Gregory is that evil monks, resenting our Blessed Father Benedict’s imposition of strict rules of living, tried to poison him, but God preserved him from death because he recognized the trick.

The letters on the arms of the cross are CSPB, Cross of the Holy Father Benedict
The letters on the cross have this meaning: May the Holy Cross be my light, let not the dragon be my guide.

 

[Shin]

‘Let a man consider that God always seeth him from Heaven, that the eye of God beholdeth his works everywhere, and that the angels report them to Him every hour.’

St. Benedict