St. Christopher Prayer
The St. Christopher Prayer is one of the most widely used Catholic prayers before travel. St. Christopher — whose name means Christ-bearer — is the patron saint of travelers and drivers, and his medal is found in cars, boats, and wallets across the Catholic world.
About St. Christopher
St. Christopher was martyred around 251 AD. His name in Greek means one who carries Christ. The famous legend describes him as a giant man who wanted to serve the mightiest king. He became a ferryman, carrying travelers across a dangerous river. One night he carried a child who grew impossibly heavy with each step. When he reached the bank, the child revealed himself as Christ — explaining that Christopher had borne the weight of the world. From this account came his patronage of travelers.
In 1969, St. Christopher was removed from the universal Roman Calendar due to uncertainty about historical details — not a denial of his existence or sanctity. He remains on many particular calendars and private devotion to him is fully permitted and widely practiced. His feast day is July 25 where observed.
When to Pray the St. Christopher Prayer
Traditionally prayed before setting out on any journey — before starting the car, before boarding a plane, before a long trip. His medal is placed in cars as a sacramental asking for his ongoing intercession.
St. Christopher, bearer of Christ,
you carried the weight of the world
without knowing what you held.
Protect us now as we set out —
on roads we know and roads we do not,
by air, by sea, by every way that takes us
from those we love and toward those we seek.
Bring us safely where we are going.
And if the road holds what we cannot foresee,
hold us as you held the child —
steady, and close.
St. Christopher, pray for us. Amen.
Original composition by Rosarycard.net. Biographical information sourced from Butler's Lives of the Saints.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is St. Christopher?
- St. Christopher was a martyr of the early Church whose name means Christ-bearer in Greek. The famous legend describes him carrying a child across a dangerous river who revealed himself as Christ bearing the weight of the world. He is the patron saint of travelers, drivers, and motorists.
- Was St. Christopher removed from the Catholic calendar?
- In 1969, St. Christopher was removed from the universal Roman Calendar due to uncertainty about historical details — not a denial of his existence or sanctity. Private devotion to him remains fully permitted and widely practiced. He remains on many particular diocesan calendars and is celebrated July 25 where observed.
- What is the St. Christopher medal for?
- The St. Christopher medal is a Catholic sacramental — a blessed object used as a sign of asking for a saint's intercession. It is traditionally placed in cars, boats, and carried by travelers as a sign of asking St. Christopher's protection on journeys.
- Is there a St. Christopher Prayer in Spanish?
- Yes. The Spanish form begins San Cristóbal, portador de Cristo... Use the EN/ES toggle on this page to switch between English and Spanish.
- When is St. Christopher's feast day?
- St. Christopher's feast day is July 25 where observed. While he was removed from the universal Roman Calendar in 1969, many dioceses retain his feast day on their particular calendars.
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