This home is a Catholic home, and we admit no evil!

Thousands of Catholics are protecting their homes using the blessing of St. Benedict. Although the tradition dates to the sixth century AD, it is reemerging as Catholics seek to protect their homes and families from the influence of evil. 

St. Benedict has been invoked for the protection of homes for centuries.

Highlights

By Marshall Connolly (Catholic Online)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
6/10/2019 (5 years ago)

Published in Marriage & Family

Keywords: St. Benedict, evil, home, protection

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Around the world, more Catholics are saying, "My home is a Catholic home, and we admit no evil!" They are having their homes blessed, and invoking St. Benedict to aid in that protection. 

Saint Benedict of Nursia (d. 547 AD) is responsible for shaping the western monastic system. To this day, his rule forms the basis of all modern monastic rules. Monks are required to participate in liturgical prayer, pray and study, to perform manual labor, and live under the rule of an abbot. 

In addition to establishing a rule for religious life, St. Benedict was also renown for warding off evil, and is a patron against things like poisoning and witchcraft. He once made the Sign of the Cross over a poisoned cup, and the poison was rendered ineffective. 

St. Benedict is also invoked during the rite of exorcism because of his power over the devil. This power is commemorated on the St. Benedict medal, which many use to aid in the protection of their homes and person. 

The medal of St. Benedict is rich in symbolism, with letters representing various Latin prayers and phrases to ward off the devil. "The Holy Cross by my Light, Let not the Dragon be my Guide," reads one acronym. Around the outside of the medal the Latin refers to this phrase: "Step back Satan, do not suggest to me thy vanities. Evil are the things thou profferest, drink thou thy own poison." 

The modern St. Benedict medal was first struck in 1880 by the monks of Benedict's monastery at Monte Cassino, Italy. Their design was based on earlier designs, some of which date back to the fifteenth century, and probably much longer. 

Today, Catholics either wear the medal on their person, or they hang the medal on the door of their house, or on the doors to rooms within their houses, to remind them of God and to inspire them in their Christian mission of love for God and love for neighbor, and to resist temptation and evil. 

For those who wish to lead a holy life in a blessed home, a St. Benedict medal is an excellent choice for aid. 

Catholic Online Shopping offers a St. Benedict door hang, which can be found here. 

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