St. Benedict's deep faith in the cross is signified by its place of honor on the medal.

The letters on the arms of the cross are the first letters in the words of the Latin prayer: "Crux sacra sit mihi lux!" (May the holy cross be my light!) and "Nunquam draco sit mihi dux!" (May the dragon never be my guide!)
The letters in the circles around the cross, C S P B, stand for "Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti". (The cross of our holy father Benedict.)
"IHS" at the top of the cross is a graphic symbol for Christ. The Latin word, "PAX," (peace) is at the foot of the cross.

Placed around the circumference of the circle are the initial letters of "Vade retro satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas!" (Begone Satan! Tempt me not with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!)
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