Prayer to Saint Christopher Patron of Travelers

Prayer to Saint Christopher

O glorious Saint Christopher, Protector of all who travel, You carried Christ upon your shoulders And trusted in His strength to guide you.

Watch over us on our journeys, Guard us from accident, harm, and danger, And bring us safely to our destination. Strengthen us in faith, patience, and trust in God As we travel the roads of this world.

May we always remember that Christ walks with us, And that every journey is a path toward Him. Obtain for us safe passage, And a grateful heart upon our return.

Saint Christopher, Pray for us. Amen.

Saint Christopher is widely recognized as the patron saint of travelers and transportation. Many individuals, whether facing a daily commute or embarking on a significant journey, seek his protection through prayer.

The legend of Saint Christopher, which gives him the name "Christ-bearer," tells of him carrying people across a treacherous river. One day, he carried a small child who became incredibly heavy, revealing himself to be Christ, bearing the weight of the world. This act led to Christopher's baptism and his subsequent evangelization. Although Pope Paul VI removed Saint Christopher from the General Roman Calendar in 1969 due to insufficient historical evidence, his popularity, particularly among travelers, continues to grow.

A common prayer to Saint Christopher for safe travel is:

"Dear Saint 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."

Another prayer, often referred to as "The Motorist's Prayer" or a "Driver's Prayer," also invokes Saint Christopher's intercession for safe journeys:

"Grant me O Lord a steady hand and watchful eye. That no one shall be hurt as I pass by. Thou gavest life, I pray no act of mine May take away or mar that gift of Thine. Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear my company From the evils of fire and all calamity. Teach me to use my car for others need; Nor miss through love of undue speed The beauty of the world; that thus I may With joy and courtesy go on my way. St. Christopher, holy patron saint of travelers, Protect me. And lead me safely to my destiny. Amen."

For those undertaking a pilgrimage or extended travel, a novena to Saint Christopher can be recited over nine days to ask for his intercession for a specific intention.

A common novena prayer includes:

"O Glorious St. Christopher, you have inherited a beautiful name, Christ-bearer, as a result of the wonderful legend that while carrying people across a raging stream, you also carried the Child Jesus. Teach us to be true Christ-bearers to those who do not know Him. Protect all of us that travel both near and far and petition Jesus to be with us always. Amen." This is often followed by specific requests, an 'Our Father,' 'Hail Mary,' and 'Glory Be'.

Many Catholics carry Saint Christopher medals or prayer cards as a devotional item for protection during travel.

PRAYER: "Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that we who honor the memory of Saint Christopher, your Martyr, may, by his intercession, be strengthened in the love of your name. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen."