Why I Pray to Saint Christopher!
“Eighteen trips in five months.” That’s what my wife blurted out the other day. To say the least, it was astonishing.
That’s how often I’ve packed a bag, kissed my wife of 31 years goodbye, and waved to my youngest son (Kevin 2.0) as I walked out the door. Not for vacation, but for work. Airports blur together. Hotels lose their charm. And the ache of being away never truly dulls.
But amid the jet lag and conference calls, I found an unexpected traveling companion:
Saint Christopher.
You may know him as the patron saint of travelers, the one who carried the Christ Child across a treacherous river. But to me, Saint Christopher has become something much more: a symbol of strength, of presence, and of faithful endurance.
A New Role, A Heavier Load, Need for Prayer
Recently, my role at work changed. I was promoted to Vice President of Sales. It was a tremendous honor, and I’m deeply grateful for the trust placed in me. But with the promotion came something I hadn’t fully prepared for: even more travel than ever before in my life.
My calendar quickly filled with site visits, client meetings, leadership summits, and speaking engagements. My suitcase barely makes it back into the closet before I’m packing it again. The airline app on my phone has become a second home screen. And while I embrace the responsibility with energy and pride, I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t taken a toll.
More nights away from my wife of 31 years. More face to face dinners with customers instead of my youngest son. More time in transit and less time in my own bed.
That’s when faith began to take on a new dimension for me. I realized I needed something, someone, to help carry this load. Not just the physical miles, but the emotional ones, too. That’s when Saint Christopher stepped in, quietly, faithfully, like a companion I didn’t know I needed until he was already walking beside me.
Faith Before Flight
I didn’t always pray before boarding a flight. For a time, I traveled on instinct and itinerary, rushing from gate to gate, focused more on Wi-Fi signals and boarding zones than spiritual grounding. But eventually, the constant motion started to wear on me, especially the part where I said goodbye. My prayers began subtly, a quiet “Lord, keep me safe,” whispered as I buckled in, or “Holy Spirit, guide me on my journey” as I walked down yet another jet bridge.
Then, something unexpected happened, or maybe it was divinely planned.
I was in Daytona Beach, Florida, wandering through a local flea market. There’s a wonderful-used silver jewelry vendor I like to visit, and that day, I was on a mission: to find a rosary for Mary’s birthday. Something simple but meaningful. I browsed for a while, scanning the glass case, when something caught my eye, a Saint Christopher medal. But not just any, an ancient silver shadow box version. it stood out in the sea of jewelry like a beacon of “Pick me… Pick me.”
It stopped me cold.
It wasn’t just the craftsmanship, though, it was beautiful. It was the feeling that hit me, a kind of peace, or maybe recognition. I’d often heard of people wearing St Christopher Medals, but never owned one myself. In fact, I wasn’t even thinking about myself, but I immediately switched gears. I bought two: one for Mary’s birthday, and one for me.
I didn’t know much about Saint Christopher at the time, only the basics. But I looked him up later that night, and I learned his name means “Christ-bearer.” He’s remembered for carrying a small child, who later revealed himself to be Christ, across a treacherous river, risking his life for love and duty.
That’s what I do when I travel. Maybe not with sandals or a staff, but with a heart full of responsibility, carrying the weight of my family, my purpose, and sometimes my worries, too. From that day on, Saint Christopher hasn’t just been a medal in my pocket. He’s been a quiet, reassuring presence in my life.
I thought:
“That’s what I’m doing too, carrying the weight of duty, of provision, of sacrifice , for the ones I love.”
Now, each journey begins with a quiet prayer:
The term “Christ-Bearer” comes from the Greek name Christophoros — which is where we get Christopher. It literally means “one who carries Christ.” This meaning is beautifully embodied in the most famous legend about Saint Christopher.
That image hit me hard.
Strong. Steady. Carrying something sacred. Navigating unknown waters. In other words… Watching over travelers like me.
Saint Christopher, guide me.
Watch over the plane, the crew, and every road I travel.
Keep my heart tethered to home, and my soul tuned to God.
Return me safe, restored, and thankful.
A Medal in My Bag, A Peace in My Soul
I keep a small Saint Christopher medal in my carry-on. No one sees it, but I do. And each time I touch it, I’m reminded that I don’t travel alone. That no matter how far from home I go, my faith flies with me.
In crowded terminals and quiet hotel rooms, I’ve learned to sanctify the solitude. To turn down the noise and tune into something deeper. That’s where Saint Christopher meets me , not with a booming voice, but a steady assurance:
You are seen. You are guided. You are loved.
Faith on the Move
To anyone else living life out of a suitcase, I want to say: it’s okay to feel torn. It’s okay to miss home so much it aches. That ache is love. That ache is purpose.
And in that space, between departure and return, prayer can become your compass. Saint Christopher, your traveling partner. And faith, your runway.
So whether you’re rushing to catch a flight or waiting out a delay, take a moment. Invite God into the journey. Invite Saint Christopher to walk with you.
Because even when you fly solo, you’re never truly alone.
More on St Christopher
1. The Christ-Bearer Legend:
Saint Christopher is most famously known for carrying a child across a dangerous river, only to discover mid-journey that the child was Christ himself. The name “Christopher” means “Christ-bearer.”
2. Patron Saint of Travelers:
He’s honored as the patron saint of travelers, drivers, and commuters, often invoked for safe journeys. His image is frequently found on medals, car dashboards, and luggage tags.
3. A Martyr with a Mysterious Past:
Though little is historically verified, Saint Christopher is believed to have been a martyr in the 3rd century. His story blends legend and faith, but his spiritual impact has endured for centuries, offering protection and peace to those on the move.
The Story Behind the Name Christopher:
According to Christian tradition, Saint Christopher was a tall, strong man who lived during the 3rd century. Wanting to serve the greatest king in the world, he set out on a journey, offering his strength and time to anyone in need, especially helping travelers cross a dangerous river.
One day, a small child approached him, asking to be carried across.
Christopher hoisted the child onto his shoulders and began to cross the river — something he’d done many times before. But this time, with every step, the child grew heavier… and heavier. The waters rose. The current surged. Christopher struggled under the weight and nearly drowned.
At last, when they reached the other side, the child revealed himself as Christ.
“You were carrying not just me,” the child said,
“but the weight of the world upon your shoulders.”
At that moment, Christopher understood: he had quite literally carried Christ — and with him, the burden of all humanity. From that day on, he was known as Christophoros — the Christ-Bearer.
This story isn’t just legend — it’s a powerful spiritual metaphor. We all carry Christ when we serve others with love, especially when that love demands strength, sacrifice, or struggle. And for travelers, especially those carrying heavy burdens of duty or separation, Saint Christopher remains a comforting symbol that God walks with us — even through swift waters.