Among Catholicism's most popular saints, Christopher was listed as a martyr. Legend had it he carried a child who grew increasingly heavy across a river -- the child was supposed to be carrying the weight of God. But there wasn't enough historical evidence the man ever existed, so Pope Paul VI dropped him.
St. Christopher is the patron saint of travel and travelers, and the reach of his patronage is wide—from mariners and sailors to mountaineers and drivers. St. Christopher medals were originally worn by seafaring folk for safe passage, and in the 1960s the medals were lovingly adopted by the surfing community.
Grant me, O Lord, a steady hand and watchful eye, that no one shall be hurt as I pass by. You gave life, I pray no act of mine may take away or mar that gift of Thine. Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear my company from the evils of fire and all calamity.
Wearing a Saint Christopher charm is a request for his blessings and good luck. People believe that he helps to ward off misfortunes such as accidents, robberies and poor health when you are travelling. Carry me safely to my destined place, like you carried Christ in your close embrace.
Saint Raphael the Archangel
One of the 14 Auxiliary Saints, Saint Christopher is the patron saint of all travelers. The name Christopher means Christ bearer in Greek, or one who carries Christ. One of the most famous and treasured stories about St. Christopher is the story of the child he found and then carried across a mighty river.
Inveralochy Agriculture and Trades College, Tarago
While the St. Michael medal is now synonymous with the police profession, there are a few things to know about the history of this figure. A symbol of the battle and perseverance of good against evil, Saint Michael is portrayed in the bible fighting and defeating Satan in the book of Revelations.
Christopher traces back to the Greek Χριστοφορος (Christophoros) meaning “bearer of Christ,” composed of the Greek elements Christo (Christ) and phero (to bear, carry). The name was bestowed metaphorically among early Christians “carrying Christ in their hearts.”
The first official canonization by the Pope acting on behalf of the universal church didn't occur until close to 1,000 years after Jesus founded the Catholic Church. So, the answer the question literally and as written, the first Catholic saint was St. Udalric, who was canonized by Pope John XV in 993.
The SaintsThe formal title of Saint is conferred by the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches through a process called canonisation. Members of these Churches also believe that Saints created in this way can intercede with God on behalf of people who are alive today. This is not accepted by most Protestants.
Apart from his being a patron of warriors, the sick and the suffering also consider Archangel Michael their patron saint. Based on the legend of his 8th-century apparition at Mont-Saint-Michel, France, the Archangel is the patron of mariners in this famous sanctuary.
He was reported to be of enormous size, with the head of a dog instead of a man, apparently a characteristic of the Marmaritae. It has been speculated that this Byzantine depiction of St. Christopher as dog-headed may have resulted from a misreading of the Latin term Cananeus (Canaanite) as caninus, that is, "canine".
Saint Christopher, (flourished 3rd century; Western feast day July 25; Eastern feast day May 9), legendary martyr of the early church. Venerated as one of the 14 Auxiliary Saints (Holy Helpers), he is the patron saint of travelers and, beginning in the 20th century, of motorists.
