January 13Jan 13 Staff Christopher was said to be a very large, strong man who helped travelers cross a dangerous river. One day, a small child asked to be carried across. As Christopher carried the child, the child grew unbelievably heavy, and Christopher felt as if he was carrying the whole world. Once across, the child revealed himself as Christ, saying Christopher bore not only him, but the weight of the world he carries. This story explains his name—he “bore Christ” on his shoulders—and why he became associated with protection on journeys. Patronage: Traditionally, Saint Christopher is considered a patron of: Travelers (by road, sea, and later, air) Drivers Motorists People seeking protection from sudden death Many people used to keep a St. Christopher medal in cars or on keychains as a sign of invoking his protection. Feast day (Roman Catholic): Former universal calendar: July 25 His liturgical status was reduced in the 1969 Roman Catholic calendar reform (due to uncertainty about historical details), but he is still widely venerated and remains on many local calendars and in popular devotion.
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