Fr. Z's Blog

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I received an advance copy of a book to be released tomorrow, 18 June: The Cross and Medal of Saint Benedict: A Mystical Sign of Divine Power edited by Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB.   You can “pre-order”.

US HERE – UK HERE

This is a handy volume.  There are quotes from famous saints and writers about Benedict, there’s a quite hagiographical account of the life of the great saint (miracle stories, etc., always fun and edifying), a brief account of the Order and then a detailed look at the St. Benedict Medal.

As a side note, whenever I bless a St. Benedict Medal or Cross (there is a Cross in the design), all sorts of nasty things happen to me.   This chapter describes the origin and variations.  However, the definitive – and I didn’t know this – design was approved by Pope Benedict XIV (a favorite of mine) in 1741.

What I also didn’t know is that the meaning of the letters, the abbreviation of the Latin poetic inscription with powerful content, faded from memory.  It was rediscovered in a centuries old manuscript in the Abbey of Metten in Bavaria.   I have a personal connection to Metten because this was the Abbey of my great friend and mentor the late great Augustine Card. Mayer, OSB, who had been Abbot there and then was in the Curia for a long while.  He was perhaps the holiest man I’ve ever met.   I still reflect on the object lessons he gave me in life.  Metten was also the Abbey of the monk who founded the huge St. John’s in me native Minnesota.

Here’s a taste from the book…

In the Year of Our Lord 1647, the cross of Saint Benedict, which was by then already in widespread use and had been revered for some centuries, began to shine forth with a new and radiant splendor. This came about in the following manner. In a certain town [in Bavaria] called Natternberg, a coven of wizards and witches had been discovered. Once these vile and viper-like malefactors were arrested by the authorities, they were placed in chains and carefully questioned as to their nefarious activities and practices. In the course of their confessions, they revealed that their black arts were utterly powerless wherever they encountered a particular type of cross or medal [i.e. that of Saint Benedict.] For, wherever it was painted or engraved, it served as an invincible shield against the forces of evil which they employed. They went on to say that they had found that their works had no effect in the monastery at Metten in Bavaria, for many such crosses were located there.

[…]

This story goes on to recount how by then no one knew the meaning of the Letters.  Then a manuscript was discovered in Metten’s magnificent library – and if you haven’t seen photos of this library… wow.   With this ancient parchment in hand, it was possible again to read the medal.

There’s a lot more too this, also.  But you can find that in the book when you get a copy!

There is also a section on the documented powers of the medal and how to use it.  A couple of them were a surprised to me.

When I would visit Card. Mayer when he was at his Abbey (away from Rome during the summer) I had a chance to wander about in the library and grounds.

Quite the place.

I don’t recall seeing chess puzzle books, however.

White to move and mate in 2.

NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others.

Right now, for a few days, there is a big sale for FATHER’S DAY at Remote Chess Academy. 75% on some things.
Interested in learning?  Try THIS.