St. Benedict Crucifix Sterling Silver Cross

A richly detailed Catholic crucifix combining two powerful expressions of Christian devotion: the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the Medal of St. Benedict.

Crafted in sterling silver with deeply oxidized details and ornate traditional styling, this cross is designed as more than a representation of the Crucifixion. Its imagery speaks of Christ’s sacrifice, redemption, spiritual strength, and the rejection of evil through faith in the Cross.

The Crucifixion

At the center of the front is Jesus Christ crucified, the defining image of Christian salvation.

The Crucifix recalls Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary — His suffering, death, and the love through which mankind is reconciled to God. It is both an image of sacrifice and a proclamation that death does not have the final word.

Above Christ appears:

INRI — Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum
“Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

These are the traditional words associated with the inscription placed above Christ during the Crucifixion.

The St. Benedict Medal

Behind Christ is the Cross of the St. Benedict Medal, bringing another layer of spiritual meaning to the pendant.

The letters traditionally found on the St. Benedict Medal are abbreviations of ancient Latin prayers centered upon the Cross of Christ and the rejection of evil.

C.S.S.M.L. — Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux
“May the Holy Cross be my light.”

N.D.S.M.D. — Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux
“Let not the dragon be my guide.”

Around the medal are initials associated with the traditional prayer:

V.R.S.N.S.M.V. — S.M.Q.L.I.V.B.

Vade Retro Satana, Non Suade Mihi Vana. Sunt Mala Quae Libas, Ipse Venena Bibas.

“Begone, Satan. Never tempt me with your vanities. What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself.”

The word PAX — “Peace” is also traditionally associated with St. Benedict and Benedictine spirituality.

Together, the Crucifix and St. Benedict symbolism express a simple but powerful message: the Cross of Christ is our light, our hope, and our victory over evil.

Reverse — St. Benedict

The reverse features St. Benedict of Nursia, holding the Cross and the Rule.

St. Benedict is one of the great fathers of Western monasticism. His spiritual legacy emphasizes prayer, humility, obedience, discipline, perseverance, and a life centered completely upon God.

Surrounding him is the Latin inscription:

EIUS IN OBITU NOSTRO PRAESENTIA MUNIAMUR

“May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death.”

The imagery traditionally associated with St. Benedict also recalls episodes from his life in which attempts were made to poison him. Through these stories, the medal became closely associated with trust in God, resistance to temptation, and steadfast faith in the face of evil.

The ornate sterling silver framework surrounding the sacred imagery gives the cross an old-world, devotional character. Oxidized recesses create strong depth and contrast, while polished raised surfaces emphasize Christ, the inscriptions, and the intricate ornamental details.

Details

• Material: Sterling Silver

• Pendant size: 65 × 34 mm

• Bail opening: 8 × 6 mm

• Approx. weight: 16.7 g

• St. Benedict Medal incorporated into the Crucifix

• St. Benedict imagery on the reverse

• INRI inscription

• Oxidized details for depth and contrast

• Polished sterling silver highlights

• Slight weight variations may occur from piece to piece

• Pendant only — chain sold separately

Processing Time

1–3 business days

More than a crucifix, this pendant brings together the sacrifice of Christ and the spiritual symbolism of St. Benedict in one deeply meaningful piece — a visible confession of faith and a reminder to seek strength, peace, and protection beneath the Cross of Christ.