Today is the feast day of St. Benedict of Nursia. Known as the father of Western Christian monasticism through the Rule he wrote bearing his name and the numerous monasteries he founded throughout central and western Europe, he may be known to us alcoholics and addicts from the medal that is attributed to his order, the Order of St.Benedict.

 

People have issues with Wikipedia, but this article does a good job of explaining the mysterious initials and Latin text: Saint Benedict Medal – Wikipedia, especially these on one side:  V R S N S M V – S M Q L I V B, which means in Latin: “Vade retro Satana! Numquam 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!’) Boldface mine, and that part is what makes this medal popular with many alcoholics, Catholic or not.

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