Standing Olive Wood Crucifix with St. Benedict Medal – 17 cm

In the heart of every Catholic home, there is a space for quiet reflection, a corner dedicated to prayer, and a need for symbols that anchor our faith in the tangible world. Santa Gloria, from our home in the eternal city of Rome, is honored to present a piece that is more than a mere object—it is a conduit of grace, a shield of protection, and a masterpiece of sacred artistry. The Standing Olive Wood Crucifix with St. Benedict Medal – 17 cm is a profound testament to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, the enduring strength of the Holy Land’s olive trees, and the powerful intercession of one of Christianity’s most revered saints.

This exquisite Standing Crucifix is meticulously handcrafted, designed not to hang on a wall, but to be present with you—on your desk, your nightstand, your family altar, or your mantelpiece. Its presence is a constant, gentle reminder of God’s unwavering love and the spiritual armor available to us all. As you welcome this crucifix into your life, you are not simply acquiring a religious item; you are embracing a centuries-old tradition of devotion, craftsmanship, and divine protection, carefully curated and brought to you from the heart of the Catholic faith.

The Soul of the Holy Land: The Sacred Olive Wood

Every Olive Wood Crucifix tells a story that begins centuries ago, in the sun-drenched, rocky hills of the Holy Land. The olive tree is one of the most significant and enduring symbols in Scripture, a living testament to peace, prosperity, and God’s covenant with humanity. It was an olive branch that the dove brought to Noah, signaling the end of the flood and the beginning of a new world. In the Garden of Gethsemane, it was under the ancient, gnarled branches of olive trees that Jesus prayed in his final hours before His Passion.

The wood used for your Olive Wood St. Benedict Crucifix is sourced from these very lands, often from the pruned branches of trees that have stood for hundreds of years. This process ensures that no living tree is harmed, making each crucifix an emblem of sustainability and respect for God’s creation. The artisans who carve these pieces are often part of a long lineage of Christian families in Bethlehem, for whom this craft is not just a livelihood but a sacred vocation. They understand the spiritual weight of the material in their hands.

As you hold this crucifix, you will feel the dense, smooth texture of the olive wood. Notice the intricate, swirling grains, each pattern as unique as a fingerprint. No two pieces are ever identical. The warm, honeyed tones of the wood are interwoven with darker, dramatic veins, telling the story of the tree’s long life—of seasons of drought and rain, of struggle and fruitfulness.

Olive Wood St. Benedict Crucifix

This natural beauty is a metaphor for our own spiritual journey, marked by moments of light and shadow, yet always rooted in faith. This is not a mass-produced item; it is a piece of the Holy Land, a tangible connection to the soil that our Savior walked upon, shaped with prayerful hands into the ultimate symbol of His love.

A Freestanding Symbol of Devotion: The Crucifix with Base

The design of a Standing Crucifix holds a special place in personal devotion. While a wall crucifix presides over a room, a crucifix with a base invites a more intimate, personal interaction. Its purpose is to be near, to be a focal point for your daily prayers, and to be a steadfast companion in moments of both trial and joy.

Measuring a perfect 17 cm, this 17 cm Crucifix is substantial enough to have a reverent presence, yet compact enough to fit gracefully into any personal space. Place this 17 cm Olive Wood Standing Crucifix on your work desk, and let it be a source of calm and moral clarity throughout your day. Set it on your bedside table, a silent guardian watching over you through the night. Create a small prayer corner in your home with this crucifix as its centerpiece, surrounded by a candle and your rosary, establishing a sanctuary for conversation with God.

The sturdy, carefully shaped base ensures the crucifix stands with stability and grace. This design element transforms the crucifix from a simple emblem into a piece of personal, sacred architecture. It stands on its own, just as our faith is called to stand firm in a challenging world. It makes the symbol of our redemption accessible, touchable, and ever-present in the landscape of our daily lives.

The Spiritual Armor of the St. Benedict Medal Crucifix

Embedded at the very heart of this crucifix, right at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal beams, lies one of the most powerful sacramentals of the Catholic Church: the Medal of St. Benedict. This transforms the piece into a St. Benedict Crucifix, a unique and potent spiritual tool that combines the salvific power of the Cross with the specific prayers of protection attributed to this great saint. To understand the significance of your St. Benedict Medal Crucifix, one must first understand the holy man behind it.

St. Benedict of Nursia, who lived in the 5th and 6th centuries, is the father of Western Monasticism and a patron saint of Europe. His life was marked by a profound devotion to God, a deep wisdom for communal living outlined in his famous “Rule,” and numerous miracles where he triumphed over evil and temptation through the power of the Holy Cross. The medal, struck in his honor, is a physical manifestation of his prayerful intercession and a recognized sacramental for spiritual protection.

When integrated into a cross, it becomes a St. Benedict Cross, a powerful shield for the faithful. Let’s delve into the rich symbolism inscribed on the medal, which is a prayer in itself:

The Front of the Medal

Here, we see St. Benedict holding two objects. In his right hand, he holds the Holy Cross, his primary tool against the forces of evil. In his left hand is his book of the Rule, the guide for monastic life that has shaped Western civilization. On one side of him is a cup, shattered after he blessed it, revealing the poison it contained—a testament to his protection from betrayal. On the other side is a raven, carrying away a poisoned loaf of bread, another story of divine intervention in his life. The surrounding words, “Ejus in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur!” mean, “May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death.”

The Back of the Medal: A Prayer of Exorcism

The reverse side is where the medal’s most powerful prayers are found, inscribed in a series of acronyms. This is the side you see on your crucifix.

• The Large Cross: Dominating the back is the Cross of St. Benedict.
  • C. S. S. M. L.: Inscribed on the vertical beam of the cross are the letters for “Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux” (“May the Holy Cross be my light”). This is a prayer for guidance, asking that Christ’s sacrifice illuminate our path and keep us from the darkness of sin.
  • N. D. S. M. D.: On the horizontal beam are the letters for “Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux” (“Let not the dragon be my guide”). This is an explicit renunciation of Satan, who is often depicted as a dragon or serpent in Scripture, and a declaration that we choose Christ alone as our leader.
• The Letters Surrounding the Cross: Encircling the cross in the four quadrants are the letters C. S. P. B., which stand for “Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti” (“The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict”).
• The Outer Inscription: Around the margin of the medal are the initial letters of a powerful Latin prayer of exorcism. It begins at the top with the word PAX (“Peace”), the motto of the Benedictine order. Following this are:
  • V. R. S. N. S. M. V.: “Vade Retro Satana, Nunquam Suade Mihi Vana” (“Begone, Satan, do not suggest to me thy vanities!”). This is a direct command to the Tempter, echoing the words of Christ Himself in the desert. It is a prayer to reject the empty promises of the world—pride, greed, and vanity.
  • S. M. Q. L. I. V. B.: “Sunt Mala Quae Libas, Ipse Venena Bibas” (“What you offer is evil; drink the poison yourself”). This is a final, powerful repudiation of evil, turning the devil’s temptations back upon himself.

By having this St. Benedict Standing Crucifix in your home, you are keeping this prayer of protection constantly active in your space. It is a shield for your family, a guardian for your peace of mind, and a fortress against spiritual harm.

A Cherished Gift for Every Milestone of Faith

The search for a meaningful religious gift can be challenging. You want something that is not only beautiful but also deeply significant and spiritually beneficial. The Standing Olive Wood Crucifix with St. Benedict Medal is a perfect gift for nearly every sacred occasion:

• Confirmation: Bestow a gift of spiritual strength and protection as a young person confirms their faith.
• Weddings: Provide a new couple with a foundational symbol of sacrificial love and a shield for their new home.
• Housewarming: Bless a new residence with the presence of Christ and the protection of St. Benedict.
• Graduation or a New Job: Place this crucifix on the desk of a student or professional as a reminder to keep Christ at the center of their work and studies.
• For Those Who Are Ill or Grieving: Offer the comfort of the Cross and the intercession of a powerful saint in times of suffering.
• RCIA Candidates: Welcome a new member into the Church with a profound and historic symbol of their newfound faith.

This is more than a gift; it is a prayer, an heirloom, and a lifelong companion. Its timeless beauty and profound symbolism ensure it will be treasured for generations to come.

From Rome with Love: The Santa Gloria Commitment

At Santa Gloria, our mission extends beyond commerce. We are custodians of tradition, operating from Rome, the very center of the Catholic world, just a stone’s throw from the Vatican. We are immersed in the faith, and we are committed to providing you with religious articles that are authentic, beautiful, and theologically sound.

We ensure that every item, like this Olive Wood Crucifix, is sourced and crafted with integrity. We believe in the power of sacred art to elevate the soul and draw the heart closer to God. When you purchase from Santa Gloria, you are not only receiving a blessed item but also supporting the Christian artisans of the Holy Land and becoming part of our global family of faith.