| Before the 1969 reform of the Roman calendar, Christopher was listed as a martyr who died under Decius. Noting else is known about him. There are several legends about him including the one in which he was crossing a river when a child asked to be carried across. When Christopher put the child on his on shoulders he found the child was unbelievably heavy. The child, according to the legend was Christ carrying the weight of the whole world.This was what made Christopher the patron saint of travelers who is invoked against storms, plagues and other dangers. In 1969 the church took a long look at the saints on its calendar to see if there exists historical evidence that the saint existed and lived a life of holiness. In taking that long look, the church discovered that there was little proof that many "saints" including some very popular ones ever lived. Christopher was one of the names that was determined to have a basis mostly in legend. Therefore Christopher (and other saints) were dropped from the universal calendar. However, Christopher's cult was not suppressed but it is confined to local calendars. His name "Christopher" means Christ-bearer. |
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| Prayer to St. Christopher: Dear Saint, 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 Christ-bearers to those who do not know him. Protect all drivers who often transport those who bear Christ within them. Amen. |
| Saint Christopher The Patron Saint of Travelers |