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Saint
Christopher
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As it is the holiday season when so many are travelling, it is
appropriate that Saint Christopher who is the Patron Saint of
Travellers should feature in this issue. Needless to say he is also
of course the Patron Saint of our Cathedral, plus, 25 July is the
St. ‘Christopher’ Memorial Day. ‘Christopher’, previously known as Offero, was a 3rd century martyr whose fame derived from the pious legend of him being a “Christ-bearer” (=Christopher). Offero 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 safe places to cross. He, the hermit, gave Offero instruction in the truth of God. Offero took the hermit’s place, but instead of guiding travellers, he carried them safely across the stream. One day he carried a small child across the stream but the child’s weight nearly crushed him. When they arrived on the other side the child revealed himself as Christ and that he was so heavy because he bore the weight of the world on himself. He then baptised Offero with water from the stream. Christopher’s service at the stream led to his patronage of things related to travel and travellers. [from www.catholic-forum.com} Rod Taylor |
