Did you ever not know of a person to not have a dream of traveling in a plane or even riding in a car without having to wear a Saint Christopher medal? That person could be a Catholic but did not have to. Saint Christopher, Patron Saint of Travelers, is worshiped by the largest number of non-Catholics. Saint Christopher devotees feel safer traveling from place to place, whether by land, air, or sea. A common sentiment in France is "Look at Saint Christopher and go on reassured."
Many soldiers who have had to travel far away from their own countries carry with them the image of Saint Christopher-a medal or prayer card. Throughout the military, throughout each branch, Saint Christopher medals are available tailored to each and are popular among both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The story of how this man who lived during the Roman Empire became the Patron Saint of Travelers is a very interesting tale. We have to go back all the way to the third century in order to find the starting point for our story. The giant man, who was reported to be at least seven feet tall, was so misguided in his early years that he believed he should serve Satan.
It was fortunate for both him and us that he converted to the True Faith. The newly converted Christian sought out a way of serving God. By using his talents to serve other people and by specifically using enormous size and very powerful strength to help people get across a dangerous river that had claimed many lives, a holy hermit said he could serve God by prayer and fasting. This is a difficult task that Christopher chose. A boy child was one such person who arrived to be carried by him.
Yet as the child sat atop the giants back and they two began to cross the great river, the boy steadily became increasingly heavy and soon, even the giant could barely lift him. Worried and troubled, Christopher inquired to the child why he became so heavy, and acquired an explanation that the child was Jesus, who was carrying the capacity of the entire world's sins on His small shoulders.
The Child Jesus then gave the kind giant the power he needed to get across the river rapids. And now God has given us the Patron Saint of Travelers to make our journeys easier.
Many soldiers who have had to travel far away from their own countries carry with them the image of Saint Christopher-a medal or prayer card. Throughout the military, throughout each branch, Saint Christopher medals are available tailored to each and are popular among both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The story of how this man who lived during the Roman Empire became the Patron Saint of Travelers is a very interesting tale. We have to go back all the way to the third century in order to find the starting point for our story. The giant man, who was reported to be at least seven feet tall, was so misguided in his early years that he believed he should serve Satan.
It was fortunate for both him and us that he converted to the True Faith. The newly converted Christian sought out a way of serving God. By using his talents to serve other people and by specifically using enormous size and very powerful strength to help people get across a dangerous river that had claimed many lives, a holy hermit said he could serve God by prayer and fasting. This is a difficult task that Christopher chose. A boy child was one such person who arrived to be carried by him.
Yet as the child sat atop the giants back and they two began to cross the great river, the boy steadily became increasingly heavy and soon, even the giant could barely lift him. Worried and troubled, Christopher inquired to the child why he became so heavy, and acquired an explanation that the child was Jesus, who was carrying the capacity of the entire world's sins on His small shoulders.
The Child Jesus then gave the kind giant the power he needed to get across the river rapids. And now God has given us the Patron Saint of Travelers to make our journeys easier.
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