St. Benedict was a religious reformer who lived in Italy in the late 400s and early 500s. He is known as the "Father of Western Monasticism" and laid down rules that would become the norm for countless Christian monks and nuns. He is the patron saint of Europe.
This religious object is also a Christian symbol for opening doors and opening difficult paths. Tradition holds that it protects against curses, evil and wickedness, prevents disease and protects physical health.
