The act of rendering the Latin inscriptions found on a specific religious object into another language, such as English, is a process of conveying meaning and understanding. For instance, the phrases “Crux sancti patris Benedicti” and “Ora pro nobis sancte Benedicte” found on the object would be rendered as “The Holy Cross of Father Benedict” and “Pray for us, Holy Benedict,” respectively, enabling individuals unfamiliar with Latin to comprehend the prayer and invocations it embodies.
This process is valuable for several reasons. Primarily, it allows broader access to the spiritual significance and protective power associated with the object. Understanding the words inscribed on the item enhances an individual’s connection to its intended purpose and historical context, revealing its connection to Saint Benedict’s life, spirituality, and the protection from evil that tradition ascribes to it. The understanding fosters a deeper appreciation and connection.
