St. Christopher
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
Christopher is an ancient martyr honored as the patron of travelers, although the familiar story of carrying the Christ Child is a medieval legend.
The story
Reliable information about Christopher's life is extremely limited. Ancient tradition remembers him as a martyr in Lycia, in present-day Turkey, during the third century. The precise date, ruler, circumstances of his arrest, and manner of his death cannot be established with confidence. His Greek name, Christophoros, means “Christ-bearer,” but the name alone does not supply a biography.
Christopher's cult is nevertheless ancient. A fifth-century inscription from Chalcedon records the construction of a church in his honor, showing that Christians venerated him within a few centuries of the traditional period of his martyrdom. Devotion spread through the Christian East and later became especially popular in Western Europe. Like many early martyrs, Christopher was never canonized through the later papal process. He is recognized as a saint through his ancient cult.
The best-known account developed much later. In medieval versions, a powerful giant, sometimes named Reprobus, wished to serve the strongest master. A hermit instructed him to serve Christ by carrying travelers across a dangerous river. One night he carried a child who became impossibly heavy. The child revealed himself as Christ, bearing the weight of the world, and gave the giant the name Christopher. This moving story was popularized in works such as the medieval Golden Legend. It is a legend, not a well-attested account of the martyr's life.
The image of Christopher carrying the Child Jesus made him a patron of travelers, ferrymen, and, in modern times, motorists. Medals bearing his image are sacramentals that encourage prayer and trust in God. They are not magical guarantees against danger. The revision of the General Roman Calendar in 1969 did not retain his celebration for the universal calendar because his biography is so uncertain. That disciplinary decision did not declare that he had ceased to be a saint. St. Christopher remains listed in the Roman Martyrology and is commemorated on July 25.
What Christopher teaches
St. Christopher's uncertain biography calls for honesty about the difference between history and devotional legend. The legend still expresses a sound Christian lesson: service offered to the vulnerable is service offered to Christ. Jesus teaches this clearly in Matthew 25:40.
Patronage
travelers, motorists, ferrymen, protection during journeys.
Prayer
God of all nations, you gave St. Christopher courage to bear witness to Christ even unto death. Through his intercession, protect travelers, guide motorists, and bring all who journey safely to their destinations. Teach us to recognize and serve your Son in those who need help. Amen.