What made Saint Christopher a saint?

Answer 1

Roman Catholic AnswerPopular acclaim and spreading devotion of the faithful throughout time acclaimed St. Christopher as a saint. The only stories we have of him bear the feel of myths, so we are not really sure why he was first acclaimed a saint.

from Encyclopedia of Catholic Devotions and Practices by Ann Ball, Our Sunday Visitor, Inc. C 2003

St. Christopher An early Christian martyr (died third century, feast day July 25).

When St. Christopher was inscribed in the Roman Calendar about 1550, his feast is relegated to particular calendars because of the legendary nature of accounts of his life. One popular account appears in the thirteenth-century Golden Legend of Blessed James of Voragine ©. 1230-1298). It tells of a heathen king who, through the prayers of his wife to the Blessed Virgin, had a son whom he named Offerus. This young man grew to great size and strength. The boy decided to serve only the strongest lord in the world, and began in the service of an emperor. Discovering that the emperor was frightened of the devil, Offerus then served the devil for a while until he saw how the devil trembled at the sight of a crucifix. And so the young giant determined to serve Christ; asking advice form a hermit, he was instructed to make a home by a deep and treacherous river and carry Christian pilgrims across.

One night a little boy asked to be carried, so Offerus placed the child on his shoulders and entered the churning water. As they forded the river, the child became heavier and heavier until Offerus thought he would fail. When he reached the other side, he asked with surprise why the child was so heavy. The child replied that he had carried not only the whole world but him who made it. The child identified himself as Christ, then took Offerus into the water and baptized him, giving him the name Christopher, meaning "Christ-bearer.) He instructed the saint to place his staff into the ground where it immediately burst forth into leaves and blossoms. The Christ Child then disappeared. Christopher later joyfully suffered persecution and death for his beloved Lord.

The legends inspired many devotions. St. Christopher was venerated as a patron against sudden and unexpected death, especially during the times of epidemics and plagues. The faithful believed that by praying before his picture in the morning, no harm would come to them that day. The custom began of hanging his picture over the door of the house, or painting it on the walls outside so that others could also venerate the saint. The saint is the patron of ferryboats, pilgrims, travelers, gardeners, and freight ships. He is also know as a patron of skiing.

Answer 2

Saint Christopher is known for helping travelers cross a dangerous river, risking his life to carry a child across. The child revealed himself as Jesus Christ, making Christopher a symbol of strength, protection, and service. Due to his selfless act and faith, he became a popular saint venerated by travelers and motorists.