Feast of Saint Christopher of Lycia

IMPORTANT FACTS:

He met a King and the King was proud of him and kept him close and fed him well.One day a singer
visited the King and among the folk song he sung one on the influence of Satan.By the mention
of this name,the king blessed himself with the Sign of the Cross.Wondering,Reprobus asked him why
he did that and the king's reply was : "When I make this Sign,Satan has no power over me."
Reprobus was amazed and said:"So thou fearest the power of Satan? Then he is greater than 
thou,and I shall seek and serve him."

He left and searched for Satan.One night in darkness he met a band of wild fellows riding through
the forest.It was Satan and his escort.Reprobus bravely call to him,saying he wished to serve him.
He was accepted and so soon he was convinced that Satan was not the mightiest on earth because
one day while approaching a Crucifix by the wayside, Satan quickly ran far away and Reprobus asked
him for the reason.Satan replied:"That is the image of my greatest enemy,Who conquered me 
on the Cross.From Him I always flee." When Reprobus heard this,he left Satan and went away
to search for Christ.

While wandering alone,he came to small hut hidden in the forest.At the enterance sat a venerable hermit.
Reprobus told him about his desire in serving Christ,the Lord of Heaven and Earth.Reprobus cried out
and said:"Christ is He Whom I seek,for He is the strongest and the mightiest.Tell me where 
I can find Him."The hermit told him :"He who would serve Christ must offer himself entirely 
to Him,and do and suffer everything for His sake. His reward for this will be immense 
and will last forever." 

Reprobus knew that the hermit was wise and asked him to let him stay and learn the Catholic Faith
from him.Soon Reprobus was baptised and after that he transformed into a beautiful person.He was
no longer proud of his great size and strength,he became meek and humble.He asked the hermit to
give to him some task by which he might serve God,his master.He said: "For I can not pray and fast;therefore I must serve God in some other way." The hermit led him to a broad and swift river nearby, and said: "Here build thyself a hut, and when wanderers wish to cross the river, 
carry them over for the love of Christ." For there was no bridge across the river.

So each day,Reprobus will carry people across the river since there was no bridge.One night,he heard
a little child calling to be carried across the river.He felt pity for the child and went at once to place
the child on his stout shoulder.He took his staff and walked into the mighty current.They were soon
in the middle of the river when the water rose higher and higher,and the child became heavier and
heavier.Reprobus cried out:"O child,how heavy thou art!It seems I bear the weight of the 
world on my shoulder."

The Child Jesus replied: "Right thou art.Thou bearet not only the world,but the Creator 
of Heaven and Earth.I am Jesus Christ,thy King and Lord,and henceforth thous shalt be
called Christophorus,that is,Christ-bearer.Arrived on yonder shore,plant thy staff in the ground,and in token of My power and might tomorrow it shall bear leaves and blossoms"

While kneeling,he promised the Lord to serve Him ever faithfully.He kept his promise,and from
that day he became a zealous preacher of the Gospel.He became a martyred and was satisfied with
his achievement.

Christopher became a Saint without Pope's canonization because he died in the year 254 which
was in the very early days but we do know that many intercessions asked in his name has never
been failed to be heard so because of that he is still a very powerful Saint till today.Many saints
have asked for his intercession and has known that he has never failed to obtain a miracle
for them.Saint Christopher is always remembered as a great saint for travelers since he knows
well about travelling.

Saint Christopher,Holy Patron of Travelers,

Protect me and lead me 

safely to my destiny.

Amen

In Greece, many churches place the icon of St Christopher at the entrance so that people can see it
as they enter and leave the building. There is a small poem in Greek which says,

“When you see Christopher, you can walk in safety.” 

This reflects the belief that whoever gazes upon the icon of St Christopher will not meet with Sudden
or Accidental Death.

PRAYER TO SAINT CHRISTOPHER OF LYCIA:
O Holy Patron of Travelers,help us in our journery to Heaven.You who were a great pilgrim,traveled
far to search for the Mightiest Master and thou found him in the Child Jesus.Grant us to be like you and
never lose hope when the presence of Jesus seems far away;may we always continue searching for
Him until He takes pity on us like how he did with you.May through your intercession,we may believe
and trust in Christ Jesus and bear him on our souls like thou once did bear him on thy shoulder.Amen

Saint Christopher of Lycia,Giant of the Child Jesus,Guide us in our journey to Heaven!