The Saint Benedict Medal

The Saint Benedict Medal

Front of the medal:

 The Cross of Eternal Salvation: 
On the face of the medal is the image of Saint Benedict. In his right hand he holds the cross, the Christian symbol of salvation.  The cross reminds us of the zealous work of evangelizing and civilizing England and Europe carried out mainly by the Benedictine monks and nuns, especially for the sixth to the ninth/tenth centuries.

Rule and Raven:
In St. Benedict's left hand is his Rule for Monasteries that could well be summed up in the words of the Prolog exhorting us to "walk in God's ways, with the Gospel as our guide."

On a pedestal to the right of St. Benedict is the poisoned cup, shattered when he made the sign of the cross over it. On a pedestal to the left is a raven about to carry away a loaf of poisoned bread that a jealous enemy had sent to St. Benedict.

C. S. P. B.
Above the cup and the raven are the Latin words: Crux s. patris Benedicti (The Cross of our holy father Benedict). On the margin of the medal, encircling the figure of Benedict, are the Latin words: Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur! (May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death!). Benedictines have always regarded St. Benedict as a special patron of a happy death. He himself died in the chapel at Montecassino while standing with his arms raised up to heaven, supported by the brothers of the monastery, shortly after St. Benedict had received Holy Communion.

Monte Cassino:
Below Benedict we read: ex SM Casino MDCCCLXXX (from holy Monte Cassino, 1880). This is the medal struck to commemorate the 1400th anniversary of the birth of Saint Benedict.

Reverse of the medal:


Crux Mihi Lux:

On the back of the medal, the cross is dominant. On the arms of the cross are the initial letters of a rhythmic Latin prayer: Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Nunquam draco sit mihi dux! (May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my guide!).

In the angles of the cross, the letters C S P B stand for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (The cross of our holy father Benedict).

Peace:

Above the cross is the word pax (peace), that has been a Benedictine motto for centuries. Around the margin of the back of the medal, the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B are the initial letters, as mentioned above, of a Latin prayer of exorcism against Satan: Vade retro Satana! Nunquam 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!)

Use of the Medal:

There is no special way prescribed for carrying or wearing the Medal of St. Benedict. It can be worn on a chain around the neck, attached to one's rosary, kept in one's pocket or purse, or placed in one's car or home. The medal is often put into the foundations of houses and building, on the walls of barns and sheds, or in one's place of business.

The purpose of using the medal in any of the above ways is to call down God's blessing and protection upon us, wherever we are, and upon our homes and possessions, especially through the intercession of St. Benedict. By the conscious and devout use of the medal, it becomes, as it were, a constant silent prayer and reminder to us of our dignity as followers of Christ.

The medal is a prayer of exorcism against Satan, a prayer for strength in time of temptation, a prayer for peace among ourselves and among the nations of the world, a prayer that the Cross of Christ be our light and guide, a prayer of firm rejection of all that is evil, a prayer of petition that we may with Christian courage "walk in God's ways, with the Gospel as our guide," as St. Benedict urges us.

 

Saint Benedict Rosary

Symbolism Of The Irish Penal Crucifix

 

The Symbolism Of The Irish Penal Crucifix

Front:

Hammer: For the nails of the Cross.

Halo: Crown of Thorns was not usually shown, hence the halo.

Jug or Chalice: Represents the Last Supper.

Cords: Represent the binding and scourging at the pillar.

Spear: Represents the piercing of the side of Jesus.

Small Marks Along The Side of The Corpus: Indicate a ladder, both used in the Crucifixion and by which we ascend to Heaven.

Reverse:

 The Cock and Pot: Symbolize the early apocryphal legend relating to Judas the betrayer, and also the roosting cock which suddenly came to life and crowed, prophesying the Resurrection.

Three Nails: Represents the tools of the Crucifixion.

  

Sacred Heart of Jesus Rosary With Irish Penal Crucifix 

 Penal Crucifix - Front

 Penal Crucifix - Reverse

How To Pray The Servite Seven Sorrows of Mary Rosary Beads

 

Mater Dolorosa, Casertavecchia, Italy

History:

This devotion to Our Sorrowful Mother originated in the Thirteenth century by the Order of Friar Servants of Mary.  It recalls the Sorrows the Virgin Mother of God endured in compassion for the suffering and death of her Divine Son.  It consists of seven groups of seven beads each with an additional three beads on the drop (fifty-two in total), seven medals (or larger beads) each representing one of the Sorrows and a Mater Dolorosa medal.

Promises of Our Lady of Sorrows:

Mary offers the following promises to whoever devoutly wears the black scapular and honors Her daily by saying seven Hail Marys and meditating on Her Seven Tears and Sorrows. This devotion was passed on to us by Saint Bridget, who received them directly from Our Lady.

* I will grant peace to their families.

* They will be enlightened about the Divine Mysteries
* I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.
* I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the Adorable Will of my Divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.
* I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives
* I will visibly help them at the moment of their death; they will see the face of their mother.

Seven Sorrows Servite Rosary Beads

Available at  www.UnbreakableRosaries.com 

 

Chaplet Instructions

On the Medal:  Say an Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven, and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.


The First Sorrow: 
The Prophecy of Simeon
Reading: Luke 2:25-35.

When Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicts that a "sword" (of sorrow) will pierce Mary's soul.


The Second Sorrow
The flight into Egypt
Reading: Matthew 2:13-15.

When King Herod orders the death of all male children age two or younger, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus.


The Third Sorrow
The Child Jesus Lost in the Temple
Reading: Luke 2: 41-50.
Mary and Joseph search for the child Jesus for three days, finding Him at last — after agonizing sorrow — in the temple.


The Fourth Sorrow
Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross
Reading: Luke 23: 27-29.

As Jesus makes His way to Calvary, condemned to crucifixion, He meets His mother, Mary. He is bruised, derided, cursed and defiled and her sorrow is absolute as Jesus drags His own cross up the hill of His crucifixion.


The Fifth Sorrow
Mary at the foot of the cross
Reading: John 19: 25-30.

Mary stands near her dying Son unable to minister to him as He cries "I thirst." She hears Him promise heaven to a thief and forgive His enemies. His last words, "Behold your mother," charge us to look on Mary as our mother.


The Sixth Sorrow
Mary receives the body of Jesus
Reading: Psalm 130.

Jesus is taken down from the cross and His body is placed in Mary's arms. The passion and death are over, but for His mother, grief continues. She holds His body in her arms.


The Seventh Sorrow
Mary witnesses the burial of Jesus
Reading: Luke 23: 50-56.

The body of Jesus is laid in the tomb. The most tragic day in history ends, Mary alone in sorrow, awaiting the Resurrection.


Last Three Beads:
Three Hail Marys are said at the end in honor of the Tears of Our Sorrowful Mother.
One Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father for the intention of the Pope.
Say "Virgin most Sorrowful, pray for us" three times.


Closing Prayer:
Lord God, our Father, from the passion and death of Jesus, shared by the compassion of his Mother, you brought healing to fallen man.  Grant that we, your people, may experience this healing and rise from the power of sin to a wholeness of life promised by Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, Amen

Information taken from the Marians of The Immaculate Conception website.

The Rosary Of The Sacred Heart

The rosary chaplet of the Sacred Heart consists of thirty-three small beads, six large beads, a crucifix, and either a Sacred Heart center or a medal attached to the crucifix.

On the Crucifix say the Anima Christi:

Soul of Christ, sanctify me!

Body of Christ, save me!

Blood of Christ, inebriate me!

Water from the side of Christ, wash me!

Passion of Christ, strengthen me!

O good Jesus, hear me!

Within Thy wounds hide me!

Let me not be separated from Thee!

From the evil enemy defend me!

In the hour of death call me and bid me

come over to Thee, that with Thy saints I

may praise Thee forever and ever.

Amen

On the large beads say:

O sweetest Heart of Jesus, I implore that

I may ever love Thee more and more!

On the small beads say:

Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love!

At the end of each decade say:

Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation!

At the conclusion say: 

May the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed

Sacrament be blessed, adored and loved with

grateful affection at every moment in all the tabernacles

of the world, even to the end of time!

  

Rosary Of The Sacred Heart in Aquamarine Agate and Dragon Blood Jasper

The Holy House of Loreto

The Holy House of Loreto is one of the most revered Marian shrines in the world. Since medieval times, the Holy House has been believed to be the very home in which the Virgin Mary lived, conceived and raised the young Jesus.

A large basilica has been built around the small shrine, and the sacred site attracts as many as 4 million Catholic pilgrims and visitors each year.

Renaissance facade (1583) of the Basilica della Santa Casa (Basilica of the Holy House) in Loreto, framed by the archway leading into the plaza.

 History:

According to the New Testament, Jesus was raised by Mary and Joseph in a small town called Nazareth, near Jerusalem. Joseph was a carpenter, and their house was humble. Three centuries after the life of Jesus, the newly-converted Emperor Constantine built a basilica over the humble brick house believed to have sheltered the Holy Family.

According to Catholic tradition, the Holy House came under threat during the turmoil of the Crusades, so in 1291, angels miraculously translated the house from its original location to a site in modern-day Croatia. An empty space was left in Nazareth and a small house suddenly appeared in a field in Croatia. The bewildered parish priest, brought to the scene by shepherds who discovered it, had a vision in which the Virgin Mary revealed it was her former house.

On December 10, 1294, the house was again moved by angels because of the Muslim invasion of Albania. It landed first in Recanti, Italy, but was shortly thereafter moved for a third time to its present location in Loreto.

The Holy House of Loreto, or Santa Casa di Loreto in Italian, has been venerated by pilgrims great and small, including many popes and saints, and numerous miracles and healings have been reported. Scientists are said to have confirmed the materials to be the same as those found in Nazareth and the house lacks normal foundations.

Many historians, Catholics included, are not entirely convinced. One problem is that there is no historical record of a house like that at Loreto existing in Nazareth. Instead, it seems pilgrims to Nazareth had venerated a kind of natural cavern in the rock as the abode of Mary and Jesus.

Another problem is that no reports have been found from the Middle East regarding the sudden disappearance of a Nazareth house. The first mention of this comes in the 16th century, after it was suggested from the West. Even in the West, no mention of the Holy House has been found until the 15th century. Additionally, there is evidence that a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary existed in Loreto before the traditional date of the arrival of the Holy House.

Given these factors, one common hypothesis about the origin of the Marian shrine of Loreto is that a miraculous statue or image of the Virgin was brought from Croatia to Loreto and placed in a humble abode that came to be venerated as well. Another possibility is that crusaders or monks brought a house, or parts of it, from the Holy Land.

Catholics who tend towards one of these less miraculous explanations are careful to point out that this does not mean pilgrims should not visit or pray at the shrine, nor that the Blessed Virgin does not work miracles there.

In 1469, a large basilica was built over the Holy House at Loreto, and still stands today. In 1507, a marble enclosure was constructed around the House inside the basilica, and in 1510, the site was officially approved for pilgrimages. Over the centuries, countless pilgrims have kneeled inside the basilica around the Holy House, wearing a trough in the hard rock.

In 1910, Our Lady of Loreto became the patron saint of pilots, because of the tradition of the house's flight from Nazareth. On September 8, the traditional birthdate of the Virgin Mary, pilots gather at the shrine to pray and participate in a colorful procession.

South face of the Renaissance marble screen around the Holy House, commissioned by Pope Julius II (1503-13) and designed by Bramante. Its sculptures, by Andrea Sansovino, Antonio Sangallo the Younger, and others, depict scenes from the Bible, the legend of the Virgin Mary, and the miracle of the Holy House. 

Our Lady of San Loreto rosary bracelet available for purchase at www.unbreakablerosaries.com.

Saint Cyriacus Deacon and Martyr

Torre le Nocelle, Festival of San Ciriaco

San Ciriaco Diacono e Martire

Feast Day:  8 August

Patronage: Eye Diseases, Diabolical Possession, Epilepsy, Comune of Torre le Nocelle, Italy

Other Names: Cyriacus, Cyriac, Ciriaco

San Ciriaco was one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.  Born to a noble patrician family, he embraced the Christian religion and gave his wealth to the poor. He was ordained a deacon at Rome, under Pope Marcellinus.

The emperor at that time was Diocletian, assisted by Maximian, who happened to be his favorite. In honor of Diocletian, Maximian decided to build a gorgeous palace, complete with magnificent baths, constructed by the Christian.  Among the slaves were elderly men, as well as high-ranking priests and clerics.

A Roman nobleman, wanting to relieve the sufferings of these poor laborers, sent four Christians with alms and encouragement: Saint Cyriacus, Saint Sisinius, Saint Largus and Saint Smaragdus. They pursued their charities at the risk of their lives, and they worked vigorously alongside those who were growing very weak. When Maximian heard of it, he had Saint Sisinius and an old gentleman whom he had helped, decapitated.

San Ciriaco was well known to Diocletian, who was fond of him. Suddenly Diocletian’s daughter became possessed by a furious demon, and she announced that only Ciriaco could deliver her. Diocletian sent for him, and he cured her. She became a Christian like her mother, who is today Saint Serena.

A short time later the daughter of the king of Persia also became possessed, and cried out like Diocletian’s daughter that she could be delivered only by Ciriaco, who was in Rome. A message was sent to Diocletian, who asked his wife to persuade the deacon to go to Persia for this purpose. He did so with his two remaining Christian companions, and again cast out the demon, thus bringing about the conversion of the king, his family and four hundred persons, whom he baptized.

The three confessors returned to Rome, having refused all compensation for their services, saying that they had received the gifts of God gratuitously and wished to share them gratuitously, not deriving profit from them. The barbarous Maximian, hearing of their return in 303, had them seized, imprisoned and tortured, and finally decapitated with twenty other courageous Christians. Their bodies were first buried near the place of their execution on the Salarian Way, but were later removed to the city. An abbey in France, at Altorf in Alsace, possesses relics of Saint Cyriacus and bears his name.

Chiesa San Ciriaco in Torre le Nocelle, Italy

Novena Prayer to San Ciriaco

Preparatory Prayer:


Almighty and eternal God! With lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy Divine Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy Heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy Divine love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of the Saint in whose honor I make this novena, and following his example imitate, like him, the life of Thy Divine Son.

Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, the petition which through him I humbly place before Thee, devoutly saying, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven." Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of my soul. Amen.

Prayer In Honor of San Ciriaco:
 
O God, Who didst grant to San Ciriaco the grace of heroic charity and trustful resignation to Thy holy will; bestow upon us, through his intercession, the grace to walk before Thee in self-denying charity and to know and fulfill Thy will in all things. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Invocation of San Ciriaco: 
 
San Ciriaco, great servant of God, loving Christ with all thy heart, thou didst for His
sake also love thy fellow men, and didst serve them even at the peril of thy life, for which charity God rewarded thee with the power to overcome Satan, the arch-enemy, and to deliver the poor obsessed from his dreadful tyranny; implore for me of God an effective, real, and true charity. Show thy power over Satan also in me; deliver me from his influence when he tries to tempt me. Help me to repel his assaults and to gain the victory over him in life and in death. Amen.

Prayer:
 
My Lord and God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the Saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena.

Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen.

Padre Pio's Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Chaplet

Chaplet available for purchase at www.unbreakablerosaries.com.

The chaplet  consists of fifteen beads (three groups of five beads each), a Padre Pio medal and a Sacred Heart of Jesus medal.  Saint Pio recited this Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus every day for all those who asked for his prayers.

Prayer Instructions:

On the Padre Pio medal say the prayer of the glorification of Padre Pio:

Oh Jesus, full of grace and charity, victim for sinners, so impelled by Your love for us that You willed to die on the Cross, I humbly beseech You to glorify in heaven and on earth, the Servant of God, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, who generously participated in Your sufferings, who loved You so much, and labored so faithfully for the glory of Your Heavenly Father and for the good of souls. With confidence, I beseech You to grant me, through His intercession, the grace of (mention your request) which I ardently desire.

First Set:
On the first bead say:
O my Jesus, You have said: "Truly I say to you, ask and it will be given you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you." Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of (name you request).
Second bead: Our Father.
Third bead: Hail Mary.
Fourth bead: Glory be to the Father.
Fifth bead: Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.

Second Set:
On the first bead say:
O my Jesus, You have said: "Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in My Name, He will give it to you." Behold in Your Name I ask the Father for the grace of (name your request).
Second bead: Our Father.
Third bead: Hail Mary.
Fourth bead: Glory be to the Father.
Fifth bead: Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.

Third Set:
On the first bead say:
O my Jesus, You have said: "Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but My words will not pass away." Encouraged by Your infallible words I now ask for the grace of (mention your request).
Second bead: Our Father.
Third bead: Hail Mary.
Fourth bead: Glory be to the Father.
Fifth bead: Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.

On the Sacred Heart medal say:
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for Whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of You, through the sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Your tender Mother and ours.

Say the Hail Holy Queen and add: Saint Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.