THE FEAST OF ST CHRISTOPHER –

25th of July

The name Christopher measns, Christ-bearer!

Christopher was a popular saint who lived in the 3rd century AD. There are several legends about him including the one in which he was crossing a river when a child asked to be carried across. When Christopher put the child on his shoulders, he found the child was unbelievably heavy. The child, according to the legend, was Christ carrying the weight of the whole world. This was what made Christopher patron saint of travellers and is invoked against storms, plagues, etc.

The Christ-Bearer

St. Christopher's greatest legacy is embodied in his name, which means "Christ-bearer." This name may allude to the legend of the man carrying the Christ Child across the river. The story of St. Christopher carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders while bearing Christ across the river has become a powerful symbol of the Christian's call to carry Christ to others and to bear the burdens of the world with Christ's help.

Today we are called to be Christ-bearers. Let us be Christ-bearers wherever we go!