Patron of travellers

For the road, the flight and the long drive home.

The legend has him carrying a child across a river who grew heavier with every step, until he was carrying the weight of the world and the One who made it. His name means Christ-bearer. Whatever the history, his medal has been on more dashboards than any other.

The Prayer

Dear St. Christopher, protect me today in all my travels
along the road's way.

Give your warning sign if danger is near,
so that I may stop while the path is clear.

Be at my window and direct me through
when the vision blurs from out of the blue.

Carry me safely to my destined place,
like you carried Christ in your close embrace. Amen.

A Prayer Before a Journey

Lord, be with us on this journey.
Bring us safely to where we are going
and safely home again.
Keep us alert, patient with other drivers,
and mindful of those who travel beside us.

May the angels who guarded Tobias on his road
go with us on ours. Amen.

About This Devotion

St. Christopher was removed from the universal calendar in 1969 because so little is known of him historically — but he was not, as is often said, decanonised. His feast is still kept locally on 25 July, and devotion to him remains entirely legitimate. The medal is a reminder to drive as though someone precious is in the car, which is generally true.