Prayer to St Christopher — for travellers

A traditional prayer to the 3rd-century martyr invoked from the Middle Ages onward as patron of travellers — according to the pious legend gathered in the Legenda Aurea of Jacobus de Voragine (13th c.), he crossed a river carrying the Child Jesus on his shoulders. The Rituale Romanum provided a specific formula for the blessing of vehicles on his feast (25 July).

Glorious St Christopher, martyr and bearer of Christ, you who crossed the river bearing on your shoulders the Child Jesus and discovered with awe that you bore the Creator of the world, intercede for me as I set out on my journey.

Defend me from the dangers of the road, from the unforeseen accidents of travel, from the temptations of haste and recklessness. Protect those who await me at the destination and those who bid me farewell at the place of departure.

May I not leave home without praying, nor travel without entrusting my life to God. In every place, in joy and in weariness, may I carry with me the presence of Christ, as you bore him upon your shoulders. Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.