Christopher sat under a shady tree on the banks of a river, watching the foam piling up against the rocks and then dispersing into white eddies on the stream. He had lain there almost all day, waiting and waiting for travelers to make their appearance. It was a good season and a good day for traveling, but as yet no one had arrived to ask for his help in crossing the river.
Suddenly he blinked in surprise. Had he slept without knowing it? A child—who had not been there a moment before—was standing before him.
He sat up and said gruffly, “Yes—what?”
“Can you carry me across the river?” asked the child. “Have you the strength?”
Christopher laughed. What a question! Why, he had the strength of ten men! Without answering, he swung the child up onto his shoulders and stepped into the swirling water.
Ten paces. The child was heavier than he expected. Ten more paces. Was the child growing into a man, up there on his shoulders? Ten more. Christopher’s muscles began to shake. Ten more. He was nearly bent double. Ten more. Would the child crush him?
At last, Christopher struggled up the bank and set the child on the ground. He was so exhausted he couldn’t speak. That child felt as heavy as the whole world, by thunder! A touch roused him. It was the child.
“Thank you, Christopher,” said the child. “Rightly have you been named, for you have borne Christ, your Creator and Redeemer.”
Because of that day nearly 2,000 years ago, Christians have prayed to the mighty Christopher (whose name means “Christ-bearer”) to grant them safe passage, as he once did for his Creator. Whether you’re going on a long trip or the short commute to work, invoke St. Christopher’s protection with our sturdy St. Christopher Visor Clip every time you get behind the wheel. Order yours today at The Catholic Company!
