Saint Christopher is a figure revered in Christianity, known primarily as the patron saint of travelers. His story, blending history with legend, has been a source of inspiration and devotion among Christians for centuries.
According to the most popular legend, Christopher was a Canaanite man of great size and strength who lived during the 3rd century AD. His original name was said to be Reprobus, and he sought to serve the most powerful king on earth, only to find his quest leading him to serve Christ, the King of Kings.
Christopher’s most famous story involves him helping travelers cross a dangerous river. He is said to have carried a child across this river, who unexpectedly became unbearably heavy in the midst of the crossing.
This child revealed himself to be Christ, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. The act of carrying the child, who was Christ, across the river without faltering is what earned him the name Christopher, which means “Christ-bearer” in Greek.
Despite the widespread devotion to Saint Christopher, his historical existence is not definitively proven, and as a result, the Roman Catholic Church removed his feast day from the General Roman Calendar in 1969, relegating his commemoration to local calendars due to the legendary nature of his story.
However, Saint Christopher remains a popular figure in Christian iconography and devotion, symbolizing faith, guidance, and protection for travellers and many others. His image is often worn as a medal or carried in vehicles by those seeking his protection on their journeys.
What is St. Christopher The Patron Saint of?
Saint Christopher is widely recognized as the patron saint of travellers, offering protection to those who journey by land, sea, or air.
His patronage extends to several specific groups and situations, including:
- Travelers and pilgrims
- Motorists and drivers
- Mariners and sailors
- Transportation and transportation workers
- Bachelors
- Against lightning and pestilence
- Gardeners
- Holy death
St Christopher Patronage of Places
St Christopher is also the patron saint of many places around the world. See the list below.
Baden, Germany
Barga, Italy
Brunswick, Germany;
Mecklenburg, Germany;
Rab, Croatia;
Roermond, the Netherlands;
Saint Christopher’s Island (Saint Kitts);
Toses, Catalonia, Spain;
Mondim de Basto, Portugal;
Agrinio, Greece;
Vilnius, Lithuania;
Riga, Latvia;
Havana, Cuba;
San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic;
Paete, Laguna, Philippines;
Tivim, Goa, India.
Saint Christopher Depicted in Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art. Oil on panel, 29.5cm x 21.1cm
Prayers to St. Christopher
Prayer for a Safe Journey
O Lord, we humbly ask you to give Your Almighty protection to all travelers.
Accept our fervent and sincere prayers that through Your great power and unfaltering spirit, those who travel may reach their destination safe and sound.
Grant Your divine guidance and infinite wisdom to all who operate automobiles, trains, planes and boats. Inspire them with due sense of duty and knowledge and help them guide those entrusted in their care to complete their travel safely.
We thank you, O Lord, for Your great mercy and unending love to all mankind and for extending Your arm of protection to all travelers. Amen
Grant me O Lord a steady hand and a watchful eye, that no one shall be hurt as I pass by. Thou gavest life, I pray no act of mine may take away or mar that gift of Thine. Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear me company, from the evils of fire and all calamity. Teach me to use my car for others’ need; nor miss through love of undue speed the beauty of the world; that thus I may with joy and courtesy go on my way. St. Christopher, holy patron of travelers, protect me and lead me safely to my destiny.
Dear St. Christopher, you have inherited a beautiful name – Christ-bearer – as a result of a wonderful legend that while carrying people across a raging stream you also carried the Child Jesus. Teach us to be true Christbearers to those who do not know him. Protect all drivers who often transport those who bear Christ within them. Amen.