St. Christopher - Feast July 25

A writer named Jacobus de Voragine helps to fill the void in the history of Saint Christopher. He wrote the Golden Legend, a collection of wonder tales about the seasons of the year. There is speculation that some of these stories were written by schoolboys in monasteries. These tales were not to be taken as historical fact, just fiction to make a point. Unfortunately, even today many people view this as if it really happened.

Here is the St. Christopher biography according to that legend. He was a Caananite that served his king, especially in matters requiring strength. The tale has it that he was huge, with an ugly face and an even uglier demeanor. During his service to his king, he decided he was going to serve the greatest king of all. He found that next supposed greatest of them all. During his service to his new king, he saw the king make the sign of the cross and flee the area in fear. St. Christopher found the king's fear was fear of the mention, sign or presence of the devil, so obviously, this was not the greatest of all kings.

St. Christopher then sought out the devil and began serving him. He did notice one day that the devil was afraid of the cross, and he feared Jesus Christ. So, off he went to find this next possible greatest king of them all. His search led him to a hermit, who gave him knowledge of the Christian faith. Saint Christopher asked the hermit how he could serve this greatest of all kings. There was a dangerous river nearby that people had to cross. Many died in the attempt. The hermit told St. Christopher that because of his great size and strength, he should assist people to cross and this would be pleasing to God, St. Christopher's new-found king. He assisted many travelers, and he was happy in his service to God. One evening outside his hut a little child all alone asked if Christopher would help him in crossing. St. Christopher hoisted the child upon his shoulders and started across. The river became turbulent and the child became heavier with each step. He struggled across with great difficulty and said to the child …"I do not think the whole world could be as heavy on my shoulders as you were." The child replied you had on your shoulders not only the whole world but also him who made it. I am Christ your king. The child then vanished.

Later legends state that St. Christopher traveled after this experience and evangelized thousands of people. Arriving in Lycia in Asia Minor, and witnessing to Christians there who were being martyred. At that time, St. Christopher was detained and ordered to offer a sacrifice to the Emperor. When he refused, it was decided to attempt to persuade him with money and women. Two women were sent to seduce him, but instead he converted them to Christianity. After this, it was decided to have him killed, but various attempts to assassinate him failed. Eventually, he was arrested and beheaded.

The name "Christopher" is not a name but rather a title, which means Christ-bearer, and may allude to the legend of the man carrying the Christ Child across the river. Saint Christopher also did not become popularized in the Church until the 7th century, about three centuries after his supposed death. We know of his popularity because around the 7th century, churches and monasteries began to be named after him. This adds credibility to the supposition that St. Christopher was merely a legendary figure and not a real person.

There is also speculation that St. Christopher could have also been confused with St. Menas, an Egyptian saint who was martyred in AD 309 in Phrygia. Both Christopher and Menas are referred to as "Christ bearers" and are patrons of travelers.

St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers and of children. His feast day is July 25. Because he is not officially recognized by the Church, he has no date of beatification or canonization. Despite these technicalities, it is widely thought that he was real and that he continues to intercede on behalf of Christians, especially children, today.