Use the links below to jump to different sections of our page dedicated to St. Christopher.
Overview
- Birth: 220 AD
- Location: Canaan (modern-day Palestine)
- Death: 250 AD
- Beatification: N/A (Before the Congregation for the Causes of Saints)
- Canonized: N/A (Before the Congregation for the Causes of Saints)
- Feast Day: July 25
- Patron Saint of: travelers and motorists
Story of St. Christopher
According to tradition, St. Christopher is venerated as a martyr from the third century. He is mentioned in the Golden Legend, a collection of hagiographies compiled in the 13th century.
His legend goes that he went in search of the most powerful king. He began serving his local king, and then became a servant of Satan, but then finally looked for the One whom even Satan feared, Jesus Christ.
One day, Christopher was working at a river, and he carried a child across until the child became so heavy that he could barely carry him. The child revealed himself to be Jesus Christ, and he baptized him and gave him the name Christopher, meaning “Christ-bearer.” This moment is popularly depicted in sacred art.
Legacy
St. Christopher is believed to have been executed around the year 251 during the reign of Emperor Decius. He remains today a recognized and revered saint. St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers, and his name means “Christ-bearer.”
St. Christopher Prayers
Saint Christopher encourages us to bear witness to Christ in even the most simple tasks. For St. Christopher’s intercession during travel, here is a prayer you can say:
“Dear Saint Christopher,
protect me today
in all my travels
along the road’s way.
Give your warning sign
if danger is near
so that I may stop
while the path is clear.
Be at my window
and direct me through
when the vision blurs
From out of the blue.
Carry me safely
to my destined place,
like you carried Christ
in your close embrace.“Amen.
(Source)
St. Christopher, pray for us!
Patronage
- Saint Christopher Catholic Church – Houston, Texas
- Saint Christopher Catholic Church – Hobe Sound, Fla.
- Saint Christopher Roman Catholic Church and School – Tonawanda, N.Y.
- Saint Christopher School – New Orleans, La.
- Saint Christopher’s Hospital for Children – Philadelphia, Penn.