AKA: Drivers, Cars, Safe Travel, Motorists
We have all been travelers in our life. Jumping in a car or a bus or even on an airplane for a short trip. These types of travels, however, are not what we usually think need prayer or the intercession of a Patron Saint. With 77% of accidents happening within 15 miles of home, we should probably rethink that and say a prayer every time we or someone we love gets in a car as a driver or passenger. What usually comes to mind when we think of spiritual protection are those travelers that travel frequently or someone taking a long trip. Examples would be a frequent business traveler, a student travelling abroad, or a family on a long vacation. Other situations might be those making a difficult journey like an immigrant or someone visiting a dangerous destination.
Who is the Patron Saint of Travelers
Most people think of St. Christopher when they think of the Patron Saint of Travelers. There are some other saints, however, that can intercede for those travelers in need of their prayers. St. Brendan and St. Joseph are two additional, wonderful patrons of travel.
St. Christopher is primarily known through legend instead of reality because the only record of his existence was his martyr’s death during the reign of the Roman Emperor Decius in the third century. Because of this, during the 1960s, the Catholic Church reviewed his recognition and ended up eliminating the July 25th feast day of St. Christopher. He does however remain a saint, he is just no longer listed on the Catholic calendar.
The traditional legend of St. Christopher is that he was a giant of a man who lived on a river and helped carry people across its fast waters. One day, a child asked him for help and the weight of the child was unexpectantly heavy. Upon reaching the other side, the child revealed himself as Jesus and explained that the weight was the weight of the world. This legend matches the meaning of his name which literally means “Christ bearer”.
Despite the unknown nature of his past, devotion to St. Christopher is historically evident as depictions of him are on some medieval church walls. These depictions are opposite their porches so that travelers walking by could look on him and be encouraged. There are also some churches dedicated to him. And devotion continues to this day as you can often find images of St. Christopher on many necklaces, car visors and keychains.
St. Brendan, who took multiple missionary journeys across Ireland, England and Scotland, is more often used for those that travel by sea. He once made a seven-year journey by sea in search of a promised land. Like St. Christopher, the history of St. Brendan is mixed with facts and myths.
St. Joseph is also not traditionally known as a Patron Saint of Travelers but is often sought after by those who are immigrating to other countries. This is because of the way he provided safe passage for Mary and baby Jesus across the desert into Egypt and back again.
Click here for our list of Patron Saints.
Prayers for Travelers
Prayer to St. Christopher While Traveling
Dear Saint Christopher, protect me today in all my travels along the road’s way. Give your warning sign if danger is near so that I may stop while the path is clear. Be at my window and direct me through when the vision blurs from out of the blue. Carry me safely to my destined place, like you carried Christ in your close embrace. Amen.
The Motorists Prayer
Grant me O Lord a steady hand and watchful eye. That no one shall be hurt as I pass by. Thou gavest life, I pray no act of mine may take away or mar that gift of Thine. Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear my company from the evils of fire and all calamity. Teach me to use my car for others need; nor miss through love of undue speed the beauty of the world; that thus I may with joy and courtesy go on my way. St. Christopher, holy patron saint of travelers, protect me.
And lead me safely to my destiny. Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph for Protection While Traveling
O St. Joseph, who accompanied Jesus and Mary in all their journeys, and who has been called the patron of all travelers, accompany us in this journey that we are about to undertake. Be our guide and our protector; watch over us; preserve us from all accidents and dangers to soul and body; support us in our fatigue and aid us to sanctify it by offering it to God. Make us ever mindful that we are strangers, sojourners here below; that heaven is our true home; and help us to persevere on the straight road that leads thereunto. We ask you especially to protect and aid us in the last great voyage from time to eternity, so that, under your guidance, we may reach the realm of happiness and glory, there to repose eternally with you in the company of Jesus and Mary. Amen.
Related Patron Saint Jewelry and Rosaries
Buy some beautiful St. Christopher, St. Brendan or St. Joseph jewelry to keep you or your loved one close to the patron saint of travlers and be a symbol of your faith.
