St. Christopher

Saint Christopher is one of the most popular Catholic Christian heroes of the Faith. He is a saint, indeed listed as a martyr, and may have also been named Reprobus. He apparently died under the Roman Emperor Decius, in 251 AD. Most Catholics refer to him as Saint Christopher anyway, and his medals and the popular devotions to him are among the most common in Catholic piety. Other than his listing as a martyr, there are no primary sources referring to St. Christopher, only stories and traditions which have been passed down.

According to these accounts, St. Christopher was extremely tall, and by some accounts he was even a giant! He was surely a man of significant physical stature. But, more importantly, he was a spiritual giant and a sure model and inspiration for the Christian faithful. Christopher decided one day that he wanted to serve the greatest king he could. He presented himself before his local ruler and entered service, until he noticed the king cross himself at the mention of the devil, revealing that the king believed the Devil to have more power.

St. Christopher then decided to serve the Devil. During his search, he encountered a band of thieves, whose leader referred to himself as the Devil. But when this leader avoided a Christian cross out of fear, St. Christopher learned there was someone even more powerful than the Devil. St. Christopher found a hermit who taught him all about Christ, the King of Kings. The hermit suggested that he spend his life in prayer and fasting, a thing which St. Christopher, a large and probably often hungry man found difficult, he objected.

The hermit suggested he then find something else that would please Christ. St. Christopher offered to work at a nearby river, and help travelers across. The fording was dangerous and many with less strength people had drowned. The hermit advised St. Christopher this would please Christ. One day, a child approached St. Christopher by the river and asked to be helped across. St. Christopher obliged. However, as he entered midstream, the river rose and the child's weight grew and became extremely heavy. It was only by great exertion that St. Christopher safely delivered the child to the other side.

When St. Christopher asked the child why he was so heavy, the child explained that He was the Christ and when St. Christopher carried Him, he also carried the weight of the whole world on his shoulders. The child then vanished. Other legends state that St. Christopher traveled after this experience and evangelized thousands of people. Arriving in Lycia in Asia Minor, and witnessing to Christians there who were being martyred. At that time, St. Christopher was detained and ordered to offer a sacrifice to the emperor. When he refused, it was decided to attempt to persuade him with money and women. Two women were sent to seduce him, but instead he converted them to Christianity. After this, it was decided to have him killed, but various attempts to assassinate him failed. Eventually, he was arrested and beheaded.

Liturgical Celebration

The feast of St. Christopher is celebrated on July 25th, during the summer months when many people are traveling. While St. Christopher is not officially recognized by the Church in the current calendar due to the lack of historical documentation, he is still widely venerated and his feast day is celebrated by many Catholics around the world. Because he is not officially recognized, he has no date of beatification or canonization, but his popular devotion remains strong.

Traditions and Customs

On St. Christopher's feast day, many travelers pray for his protection and wear his medal. Churches often hold special Masses for travelers and bless St. Christopher medals. The day is marked by prayers for safe journeys and protection for children. Many people also pray for his intercession when beginning new journeys or when facing difficult challenges in life. The tradition of wearing St. Christopher medals for protection during travel is one of the most enduring Catholic devotions.

Prayer and Devotion

The feast day is an excellent time to pray for safe travels, protection for children, and strength to carry the burdens of life. Many people pray the Prayer to St. Christopher or make special petitions for journey mercies. The day is also a time to reflect on how we can be "Christ-bearers" in our own lives, carrying Christ's love and message to others through our words and actions.