All Christians use religious medals to venerate major characters of Catholicism and to get protection from the Saints who have played a notable role within the religion. Each medal has a specific meaning, image, inscription or purpose related to each Saint. They can be given as a gift, especially for some important events, such as the Sacraments (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, etc.).
If you would like a medal for yourself or a loved one, how do you know which one to get?
How do you know which one would mean the most to you or your loved one’s needs?
Discover now the 5 most powerful medals for your daily protection and find the one that is best for you.
1. Miraculous Medal
The story behind the Miraculous Medal is quite famous among Christians. After an apparition of the Blessed Mother, the novice Saint Catherine Labouré, in 1830, designed this very popular religious medal. The Holy Virgin Herself shared the image of the medal to St Catherine and told her about the symbolism behind each aspect of the design. Furthermore, the Blessed Virgin promised that great graces would be conferred upon the wearer of the Miraculous Medal.
Miraculous Medal Meaning and Description
The front of the medal represents St Mary standing on a globe as a Queen of Heaven and Earth, while crushing the head of a serpent (evil) with her foot. The figure of the Virgin is surrounded by the latin sentence “Regina Sine Labe Originali Concepta O.P.N.” (Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee). On the bottom, the date 1830 reminds us about the creation of the medal.
The reverse side of the medal represents many different symbols: 12 stars (the 12 apostles), two hearts (the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary), the letter M (Mary) and the Cross of Redemption (Christ).
Here the Miraculous Medal is available in many different sizes and materials.
Choose your favorite one!
2. St Benedict Medal
This powerful medal represents St Benedict of Nursia, the founder of the Benedictine monastery at Monte Cassino (Italy) and the Benedictine order of monks. Since He is well known for His several miracles and for being the Protector against poisonings and exorcisms, St Benedict has a great number of devoted disciples. Celebrated on 11 July, He’s considered the Patron Saint of Europe, Engineers, Farmers, Agronomists, Architects, Chemists, Speleologists, Coppersmiths, Officers of Arms, Students, Monks and Dying People. He’s invoked against Poison, Witchcraft and the Devil.
Shop now this powerful St Benedict medal for your daily protection of God against evil and temptations, through the intercession of St. Benedict.
St Benedict Medal Meaning and Description
The front side of the medal represents Saint Benedict holding a book on His left hand with the benedictine rule inscription “Ora et Labora” (Pray and Work) and a cross on His right hand. Right below His hands is a poisoned cup (a reference to the legend that hostile monks attempted to poison Him) and the raven that carried off a loaf of poisoned bread.
On both sides, the inscription Crux sancti patris Benedicti, which means The Cross of [our] Holy Father Benedict. Surrounding the figure of St Benedict are the words Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur (May we be strengthened by His presence in the hour of our death), since Benedictines regarded Him as a particular Patron of a happy death.
ON the reverse side of the medal, you can find some letters:
- C S S M L → Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux (May the Holy Cross be my light).
- N D S M D → Nunquam draco sit mihi dux (May the dragon never be my overlord).
- C S P B → Crux Sancti Patri Benedicti (The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict).
- V R S N S M V → Vade Retro Satana Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana (Bedong Satan, Never tempt me with your vanities).
- S M Q L I V B → Sunt Mala Quae Libas. Ipse Venena Bibas (What you offer me is evil, Drink the poison yourself).
- PAX (Peace).
3. Scapular Medal
This amazing religious medal represents the famous Brown Scapular, also known as the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. According to the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship, the Scapular is “an external sign of the filial relationship established between the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother and Queen of Mount Carmel, and the faithful who entrust themselves totally to her protection, who have recourse to her maternal intercession, who are mindful of the primacy of the spiritual life and the need for prayer”.
Wearing it will give you protection from the Blessed Virgin and will indicate your belonging to the Family of Carmel which voluntarily does the will of God trying to build a world true to His plan of community, justice and peace.
Scapular Medal Meaning and Description
The front side of the medal depicts the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, symbol of divine love for humanity and salvation, while the reverse represents Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It can be considered a sign of our relationship with Mary and Jesus and, at the same time, a reminder of our dignity as Christians.
4. St Christopher Medal
Another very powerful religious medal is the St Christopher medal. Celebrated on 25 July, St Christopher is the Patron Saint of Pilgrims, Travelers, Motorists, Athletics, Bachelors, Drivers, Sailors, Long Journeys, Surfing and Gardeners; invoked against Sudden Deaths, Toothache, Epilepsy and Storms.
St Christopher Medal Meaning and Description
The Saint Christopher medal depicts the hermit saint who, taking advantage of his height, used to help pilgrims cross rough rivers. He is venerated as one of the 14 Holy Helpers and is depicted carrying Baby Jesus on his back.
This medal has a blank reverse side: for this reason, it is one of our customizable religious medals. If you want to shop one for you or your loved ones, you have the possibility to engrave a name or a date (or both) on its reverse side, in order to make it such an original gift, suitable for any religious occasion.
5. St Michael the Archangel Medal
Last but not least of these top 5 Christian Medals is the Saint Michael Medal, dedicated to the Patron Saint of Doctors, Paramedics, Police Officers, Soldiers, Jewish People, Military and Vatican City; generally invoked against sickness.
St Michael Medal Meaning and Description
The front side of the medal depicts the Archangel while fighting against the dragon, one of the most magnificent scenes of the Book of Revelations. Saint Michael is the commander of God’s army and for this reason is considered the Patron Saints of soldiers and Police Officers.
The reverse of this medal is blank, that’s why it is another of our wide collection of customizable religious medals.
Get your engraving now!
Related Articles:
Catholic Saints Medals, The Most Popular and Their Meaning→
Miraculous Medal: 5 Reasons to Wear it→
Saint Benedict Medal: The Key to Understand it→
The Meaning of the Four-Way Cross & Scapular Medal→