The Prayer of Saint Benedict
This prayer, found on the Medal of St. Benedict, is a powerful private exorcism which may be used by the faithful to repel evil and temptation. It is customarily said while making the Sign of the Cross.
Latin Text
Crux sacra sit mihi lux!
Non draco sit mihi dux!
Vade retro Satana!
Numquam suade mihi vana!
Sunt mala quae libas.
Ipse venena bibas!
English Translation
The Holy Cross be my light!
Let not the dragon be my guide!
Begone, Satan!
Never tempt me with thy vanities!
What thou offerest me is evil.
Drink the poison thyself!
Pious Invocation
The following invocation is also associated with this devotion:
Latin:
Ecce Crucem Domini! Fugite partes adversae! Vicit Leo de tribu Juda, Radix David! Alleluia!
English:
Behold the Cross of the Lord! Flee, ye adverse hosts! The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath conquered! Alleluia!
Contexte Historique
This prayer is a Catholic formula for protection against evil, the words of which are found on the Medal of Saint Benedict. Its origins are ancient, but it was formally approved and indulgenced by Pope Benedict XIV in his brief of 1742. The prayer is not a solemn rite of exorcism, which can only be performed by a priest with the bishop’s permission, but rather a private prayer that the laity may use to seek God’s protection and the intercession of Saint Benedict against demonic influence, temptation, and harm.