Saint Christopher - The Patron Saint of Travellers

Saint Christopher is one of the most popular Catholic Christian heroes of the Faith. Stories and traditions have been passed down, that refer to him.

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 role model and inspiration for Christians.

 St. Christopher found a hermit who taught him all about Christ, the King of Kings. The hermit suggested he find something that would please Christ. St. Christopher offered to work at a nearby river, and help travellers across. The river was dangerous and many people with less strength 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, 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.

This is why St Christopher is the Patron Saint of Travellers. Christians will often carry images of St Christopher when they are travelling.

Each week we say our St Christopher’s prayer to ask for help and guidance in our journey through the next week.