π Life Timeline
Unknown
Born in c. 250 AD
1490
HRISTOPHER of GUARDIA (St) M
250 AD
Died β c. 250 AD (martyred)
Pre-
Canonized β Pre-Tridentine
β Biography
CHRISTOPHER (St) M. R.M. July 25 ? The R.M. makes him a martyr of Lycia under Decius, but beyond the fact of his martyrdom, nothing is known about him. Many legends, however, some of them very beautiful but others unbelieva- ble and absurd, have grown up around his name. The most graceful is that of his carrying an unknown child across a ford, and being borne down by its weight, despite his own gigantic stature and great strength: the child was Christ, carrying in His hand the weight of the whole world. βThis episode has led to the usual represen- tation of the saint in art. He is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.
Cf. Att. β Holw. β Baud. β Bolland.
CHRISTOPHER (St) M. R.M. Aug. 20 See Leovigildus and Christopher.
CHRISTOPHER of GUARDIA (St) M.
A.C. Sept. 25 d. c.1490. A boy of Guardia, near To- ledo
π‘ Patronage
Patron of: Travelers, motorists, pilots, sailors, and those seeking protection from sudden death.
π¬ Words of the Saint
I will serve the greatest king β the one who can protect me from the devil.
π Key Facts
Born
c. 250 AD
Died
c. 250 AD (martyred)
Feast Day
Jul 25
Canonized
Pre-Tridentine
π Legacy
Christopher's image appeared on every car dashboard in Europe for centuries. The prayer 'St. Christopher, protect us on our journey' is one of the most commonly prayed. His story teaches that Christ is present in every person we encounter.