St. Christopher medals have been worn since the Middle Ages. In the 14th century, in The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer described the Knight’s Yeoman as dressed in “A Cristopher on his breast of silver sheen.” Quite simply, the Yeoman wore a silver St. Christopher medallion that dangled on his breast and provided the final touch to this particular character’s physical look.
But just what does the medallion really signify? Well, the answer varies according to who wears it!
Medals, medallions, and cards with St. Christopher’s name and image on them are generally worn as pendants, especially by travelers who wish to express their faithfulness and ask for for his blessing on their journey. Miniature statues are usually shown in cars and trucks, and medallions will often be clipped car or truck visors, too. Men and women that use the medal by doing this wish to show their devotion to St. Christopher and seek his grace when they drive today’s chaotic, high-speed freeways.
The medal depicts a bearded, middle-aged man. Upon his shoulders sit a child representing Christ, and in his hand is a staff. The wording “Svts. Christophorvs Protector Noster,” which means “Saint Christopher Our Protector” circles the medallion.
In French culture, a regular expression is “Regarde St Christophe et va-t-en rassure” (“Look at St Christopher and go on reassured”); In Spanish, the wording on medals and holy cards is “Si en San Cristobal confias, de accidente no morirs” (“If you trust St. Christopher, you won’t die in an accident”).
Along with being recognized as the patron saint of travelers, St. Christopher is admired as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints venerated together in Roman Catholicism because their intercession is believed to be effective, especially against diseases and illness. Therefore, his medallion carries the promise of vibrant health and well-being for many people who wear it to take saintly intervention in their lives.
During the Dark Ages people turned to him for protection against the plague and pestilence. Nowadays, his name is invoked against diseases.
Considering that St. Christopher is viewed as a guardian, he holds patronage against pestilence, lightening, storms and flooding, as well!
Independent of the earthly blessings you might receive from wearing his medallion or keeping his picture near you, christ-followers claim St. Christopher is a patron of the Holy Death. A Holy Death is oneleadingto eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. This specific patronage is unique: All of the other patronages are related to worldly concerns and events, while intercession for a holy death is for eternity.
St. Christopher is known as a widely popular saint. In addition to travelers, he is also admired by athletes, mariners, and ferrymen. He is the patron of archers, bachelors, boatmen, bookbinders, fruit dealers, fullers, and gardeners, too.
This information was compiled by Nelson Van Alden. For more information about the St. Christopher Medal, the St. Michael Medal, the St. Florian Necklace, and also religious meaning of the medals of other patron saints, drop by www.allpatronsaints.com.