Saint Christopher is easily one of the most recognizable saints, and a Saint Christopher statue makes a beautiful gift for someone you want to keep safe.
There are many legends surrounding Saint Christopher and the most famous involves him carrying a child across a river who later revealed himself as Christ. This is the image most commonly used for a Saint Christopher statue. For this reason, he is known as the patron saint of travelers and the St Christopher medal is worn for protection when traveling.
His fame derives from the pious legend of him being a "Christ-bearer" (= Christopher). 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 safe places to cross.
The hermit gave Offero (Saint Christopher's pagan name) instruction in the truth of God. Offero took the hermit's place at the river, but instead of guiding travelers, he carried them safely across the stream.
One day Offero (Saint Christopher) 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.
The hermit 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.
Saint Christopher is also the patron saint of bachelors.
Saint day is July 25th.
