The cross on the back of the scapular carries the initial letters of a Latin prayer. “Crux sancta sit mihi lux! Non draco sit mihi dux!” translates to “May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my guide!” This is a constant prayer of exorcism, protecting us from the evil of Satan. CSSMLNDSMD

In the spaces around the cross the letters CSPB stand for, “Crux Sancti Patris benedicti», meaning, “The cross of our holy father Benedict”.

Above the cross, the centuries-old Benedictine motto reads simply “Pax”, “Peace”.

The letters outlining the rim are the initial letters of a Latin prayer of exorcism: VRSNSMV – SMQLIVB, standing for “Vade retro Santana! Nanquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas!”mean, “Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! Evil are the things thous profferest, Crink thou thine own poison”.

 With these emphatic words in constant presence, Satan cannot even approach.