St. Christopher - Patron Saint of Travelers
On July 25 we traditionally celebrate the feast of St. Christopher, patron saint of drivers and travelers. We do not know much about St. Christopher. Most of our knowledge about him is taken from undocumented stories and legends. According to them Christopher lived in the third century in the Roman Empire. Christopher was attracted by the Gospel and converted to the Christian faith. He met a hermit who lived a holy life and instructed Christopher in the Christian life and doctrine. Christopher asked him how he could serve Christ. When the hermit suggested fasting and prayer, Christopher replied he was unable to perform that service. The hermit then suggested that because of his size and strength Christopher could serve Christ by assisting people to cross a dangerous river, where they were perishing in the attempt. The hermit promised this service would be pleasing to Christ.
After Christopher had performed this service for some time, a little child asked him to take him across the river. During the crossing, the river became swollen and the child seemed extremely heavy, so much so Christopher could barely carry him and found himself in great difficulty. When he finally reached the other side, he said to the child: "You have put me in the greatest danger. I do not think the whole world could have been as heavy on my shoulders as you were." The child replied: "You had on your shoulders not only the whole world but God who made it. I am Christ your king, whom you are serving by this work." The child then disappeared.
This beautiful legend about St. Christopher was kept in spoken tradition for centuries, and made him a patron of travelers and drivers. Nowadays, many drivers pray to God through the intercession of St. Christopher at the beginning of their travel. In fact, we are all travelers in our earthly journey, through difficulties and danger, to our final destination in the Heavenly
Kingdom. We need the intercession of St. Christopher on a daily basis.
On the occasion of the feast of St. Christopher many parishes and communities bless cars, motorcycles, bikes, boats, and any means of transportation. When we bless cars or any vehicles, we bless the drivers and passengers at the same time. I am glad and I hope the St. Christopher blessing will become a regular tradition at St. Martin of Tours parish.
The source: John J. Crawley. "Saint Christopher martyr third century," (2014).
