Stained Glass Window with Saint Benedict Cross

This stained glass window with Saint Benedict Cross was created for the Benedictine monks of Norcia and will adorn the monastery of San Benedetto in Monte.

This work faithfully represents one side of the popular Saint Benedict medal.

The origins of this cross are very ancient, the first news dates back to around the year 1000 when the medal miraculated the son of a count from a serious illness, the young man later joined the Benedictine congregation and then became Pope Leo IX..

It is therefore believed that the Cross of San Benedetto has beneficial effects and protects from the devil.

The word Pax, peace appears on the top of the cross; various initials with very specific meanings appear on the cross itself, on the circle surrounding the cross and on the bottom:

C.S.P.B.= Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (The cross of our holy father Benedict)
C.S.S.M.L.= Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux (May the holy cross be my light)
N.D.S.M.D.= Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux (Let not the dragon be my guide)
V.R.S.= Vade Retro, Satana! (Begone Satan!)
N.S.M.V.= Numquam Suade Mihi Vana (Suggest not to me thy vain things)
S.M.Q.L.= Sunt Mala Quae Libas (The drink you offer is evil)
I.V.B.= Ipse Venena Bibas (drink that poison yourself)

This stained glass window with Saint Benedict Cross has a diameter of about 60 cm, its main feature is the yellow blown glass cross cut in one piece, a very complex cut but inevitable in order not to have lead lines in the center of the cross.
The other glasses that make up the glass mosaic are finely painted with grisaille and transparent blue enamel.

After the stained glass windows for the monks of Norcia that adorn the chapel of the monastery and the small stained glass for the wrought iron candelabra, this work will also adorn this enchanted place that I recommend everyone to visit.