To St. Christopher

ST. CHRISTOPHER, patron of travellers, to you I entrust myself and those who will accompany me on my journey, praying you to keep us from all harm and to bring us safely to our destination. O great saint, true Christ-bearer, who converted multitudes to the Christian faith and who for love of Jesus Christ suffered cruel torments in your martyrdom, I implore your intercession to enable me to avoid every sin, the only real evil. Preserve me and those dear to me against the forces of the elements, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, lightning, fire and flood, and guide us safely through the dangers of this life to the eternal shores. Amen.


The Story of St. Christopher
from: www.stchristopher.on.ca

According to tradition, St. Christopher died a martyr in Lycia in 251 A.D. during the reign of Decius, a Roman Emperor who conducted the first systematic persecution of Christians. Very little is known about Christopher's life, but many legends have developed around his name.


One of the most popular legends describes the saint as a tall man of tremendous strength who made a living carrying people across a raging river. One day his passenger was a child who grew so heavy as they crossed the river that he feared they would both drown. Christopher was amazed that one so mighty as himself could be overcome by one so small. The child then revealed that he was Christ, and the heaviness was caused by the weight of the world which he bore. The name "Christopher" means "Christ-bearer", and it is no surprise that he is often depicted as carrying a child, who, in turn, is carrying a globe.


It was a common medieval custom to place a large mural of the saint opposite the south door of the church, in belief that the sight of it would safeguard the passer-by from accident that day. In modern times, St. Christopher is considered to be the patron saint of travelers, especially of motorists.


St. Christopher is listed among the "Auxiliary Saints", or the Fourteen Holy Helpers, venerated for the efficacy of their prayers in time of need. His feast day is celebrated on July 25.