Saint Christopher

Saint Christopher

The Catholic Church suggests that almost nothing historical is known about the life and death of St. Christopher, however several legends are attributed to him. The most popular variations originate from The Golden Legend, a compilation of stories by Archbishop Jacobus de Voragine, first published in 1480 and translated in 1483. According to The Golden Legend, Christopher was a Canaanite warrior named Reprobus who went on a quest to find the mightiest ruler to serve. After several adventures, Reprobus becomes baptized with the name Christophoros. Christopher is eventually persecuted as a Christian and martyred by beheading. Voragine's story includes an episode in which Christopher carries a small, yet almost unbearably heavy, child across a river. The child is later revealed to be Jesus Christ. It is this popular story from which Christopher became the patron saint of travelers, and it is the source for the derivation of his name. The Greek word Christophoros translates into "bearer of the anointed one."

Historical examination of the legends suggests Reprobus (Christopher) lived during the Christian persecutions of either the Roman emperor Decius or Diocletian, and that he was captured and martyred by the governor of Antioch. Historian David Woods has proposed that Christopher's remains were possibly taken to Alexandria by Peter of Attalia where he may have become identified with the Egyptian martyr Saint Menas.

Many Blessings

Many Blessings :Hello: