Antique 1880 St. Benedict Jubilee Medal on a Leather Necklace

Presented is an antique 1880 St. Benedict Jubilee Medal that has been fashioned into a necklace by the vintage jewelry designer, Intellectual Property.  The Jubilee medal was designed by the monk Desiderius Lenz, of the Beuron Art School. He designed it in 1880 for the 1400th anniversary of the birth of St. Benedict, under the supervision of the prior of Montecassino, Very Rev. Boniface Krug (1838-1909) of Monte Cassino, Italy. Once struck in Germany, the medals spread over Europe and the world. They were first approved by Benedict XIV in his briefs of Dec. 23, 1741 and March 12, 1742.

The front of the medal depicts and is engraved with “The Cross of Holy Father Benedict.” Surrounding the back of the medal are the letters ”V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B” which refer to the prayer of the Rite of Exorcism: “Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas!” This translates to "Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!”

Surrounding St. Benedict are the words, “Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!” which translates to "May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death". Finally, at the top is the word “PAX” which means "peace.”

Many wear this cross when asking for inner peace or spiritual healing and others just wear it because of its beautiful symmetry! This medal of St. Benedict was found in France. It is presented on an 18 inch strand of braided leather, with a sterling silver toggle.

Searching the braderies and antique shops throughout Europe, the founders of Intellectual Property, Mary and Hallie, specialize in finding unique antique medals and transforming them into one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. Their designs highlight the legacy and integrity of the original pieces, artfully bringing the past into the present.