Born into a prominent family at Nursia in central Italy, he rejected the immoral and profligate life of the rich and became a hermit outside Rome, where he attracted disciples. At his monastery at Cassino he formulated the Benedictine Rule, which became standard in monasteries throughout Europe.

It symbolizes how prayer creates peace within ourselves and in our communities. Those who carry the St. Benedict medallion with them reject all evil and provide encouragement as we walk along God's path, with the Gospel as our guide and Him as our light.

He was named patron protector of Europe by Pope Paul VI in 1964. In 1980, Pope John Paul II declared him co-patron of Europe, together with Cyril and Methodius. Furthermore, he is the patron saint of speleologists. On the island of Tenerife (Spain) he is the patron saint of fields and farmers.

This religious object is also a Christian symbol of opening doors and opening difficult paths. Tradition holds that it protects from curses, evil and vice, protects against diseases and protects good health.

The Saint Benedict Medal, recognized by the Catholic Church, possesses great power of exorcism and liberation from demonic influences. However, it is essential to understand that its efficacy does not lie solely in its physical appearance or the engraved prayer, as this would fall into superstition.

St. Benedict's supreme achievement was to provide a succinct and complete directory for the government and the spiritual and material well-being of a monastery. His Rule carefully integrated prayer, manual labor, and study into a well-rounded daily routine that has shaped Christianity for nearly 1,500 years.

He gave advice to kings and popes and could read peoples' consciences. He had the gift of prophesy and worked miracles. He died on March 21 in 543, but this date almost always falls in Lent, so the Church moved his memorial to July 11. He was named co-patron of Europe in 1964, and is patron saint of students.