In honor of the Commemoration of St. Christopher, Fr. Robert will bless automobiles following High Holy Mass on Sunday, July 26th.
Saint Christopher – born at Canaan as Offero – (martyred on 251)
St. Christopher’s fame derives from the pious legend of him a “Christ-bearer†(Christopher).
St. Christopher’s original name was Offero. He was a powerfully built man who wandered the world in search of novelty and adventure. He came upon a hermit who lived beside a dangerous stream and served others by guiding them to a safe place to cross. The hermit gave Offero instruction in the truth of God. Offero took the hermit’s place, but instead of guiding travelers, he carried them safely across the stream.
One day he carried a small child across the stream; the child’s weight nearly crushed him. When they arrived on the other side, the child revealed himself as Christ, and he was so heavy because he bore the weight of the world on himself. He then baptized Offero with water from the stream. Christopher’s service at the stream led to his patronage of things related to travel and travelers, people who carry things, etc.
Dear Saint, you have inherited a beautiful name – Christbearer – as a result of a wonderful legend that while carrying people across a raging stream you also carried the Child Jesus. Teach us to be true Christbearers to those who do not know him. Protect all drivers who often transports those who bear Christ within them. Amen.