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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.
What else can I help you with?
What does the Saint Christopher charm represent?
The Saint Christopher charm represents Saint Christopher carrying Baby Jesus across a raging river. Saint Christopher would act as a human ferry carrying people across the river. The Saint Christopher charm depicts Baby Jesus perched on Saint Christopher's shoulder.
Why was Saint Christopher made a saint?
Christopher is a saint of legend who may have never existed. His name was dropped from the Calendar of Saints several years back because there was little evidence to support his very existence. In a sense, Christopher has been "de-sainted."
Is St. Christopher a Catholic saint?
Yes, St. Christopher is a Catholic saint known as the patron saint of travelers. He was removed from the universal liturgical calendar in 1970 but is still recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
What is the Symbol of Saint Christopher?
The symbol of Saint Christopher is typically depicted as a man carrying the Christ Child on his shoulders while crossing a river. Saint Christopher is the patron saint of travelers and is often invoked for protection during journeys.
What does the Saint Christopher medallion symbolize?
The Saint Christopher medallion symbolizes Saint Christopher carrying baby Jesus across a raging river. Saint Christopher was known for helping people cross a raging river like a human ferry. The medal has an image of Saint Christopher with baby Jesus on his shoulder. The weight of the child was much more than expected because Baby Jesus carried the weight of the world.
What nicknames does Christopher Saint Booth go by?
Christopher Saint Booth goes by Saint.
Who is the patron saint of travelers and also known as the saint of dogs, Saint Christopher"?
Saint Christopher is the patron saint of travelers and is also known as the saint of dogs.
What does the Saint Christopher charm represent?
The Saint Christopher charm represents Saint Christopher carrying Baby Jesus across a raging river. Saint Christopher would act as a human ferry carrying people across the river. The Saint Christopher charm depicts Baby Jesus perched on Saint Christopher's shoulder.
Who is the saint for transport?
Saint Christopher is the Saint of travels and travelers.
Is Saint Christopher a Scottish saint?
No, Christopher is not Scottish and never was in the country of Scotland.
When was Saint Christopher Academy created?
Saint Christopher Academy was created in 1945.
Why was Saint Christopher made a saint?
Christopher is a saint of legend who may have never existed. His name was dropped from the Calendar of Saints several years back because there was little evidence to support his very existence. In a sense, Christopher has been "de-sainted."
Is Saint Christopher mentioned in the Bible?
No. Saint Christopher is not mentioned in the Bible.
What patron saint can travellers turn to?
Saint Christopher
How tall was Saint Christopher?
The height of Saint Christopher is not known. He died around 251 AD and is the Patron Saint of bachelors, travel, and sailors.
When did Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla end?
Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla ended in 1983.
When was Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla created?
Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla was created in 1958.
