Something terrible happened in 1969. St. Christopher's feast day was removed from the Roman Catholic calendar of saints. So, although devotion to him is recognized, the beloved patron saint of travellers is no more.
What happens to the medals and the prayer cards? Are they now collector's items? Do they no longer "work?" And, what about all the paintings of him?
St. Christopher is now a mere legend who was born in Canaan. Of the many stories that were told, my favorite is when he was crossing a river and a child stopped him and asked to be carried across.
St. Christopher picked up the young boy who was so heavy which made many people believe that it was the Christ Child carrying the weight of the world upon his back. Thus, St. Christopher became the patron saint of travellers.
He was martyred during the reign of Decius c.251. in Asia Minor. His former feast day is July 25.
The cookbook "Twelve Months of Monastery Soups" by Brother Victor-Antoine d'Avila-Latourrette offers a St. Christopher Soup for the month of May. The ingredients include: 8 cups vegetable broth, half a medium-sized red cabbage, and 8 tablespoons of lemon juice. The mixture should sit in a bowl for an hour and be stirred from time to time.
Bring to a boil and cook for five minutes. Serve immediately. It makes six servings. This is said to be a French remedy for hangovers. Enjoy!
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