How to Choose the Perfect Saint Christopher Medal
Few medals are as familiar as the Saint Christopher medal. For generations, Catholics have tucked one into a wallet, hung one from a rearview mirror, or worn one on a chain before a long journey. If you are choosing one for yourself or as a gift, this guide explains who Saint Christopher is, what the medal means, and how to pick the right size, shape, metal, and chain.
Who Is Saint Christopher?
Saint Christopher was an early Christian martyr. Tradition holds that he died for the faith in Asia Minor in the third century, and he has been honored by the Church since ancient times. His name comes from the Greek Christophoros, which means "Christ-bearer."
The best-known story about him is a legend. Christopher, a man of great size and strength, served God by carrying travelers across a dangerous river. One night a small child asked to be carried across. As they crossed, the child grew heavier and heavier, until Christopher could barely reach the other side. The child then revealed that He was Christ, and that Christopher had carried not only Him but the weight of the whole world and its Creator. That is why medals show Saint Christopher with a staff, wading through water with the Child Jesus on his shoulder.
Patron Saint of travelers
Because of this story, Saint Christopher is the Patron Saint of travelers, and he is widely honored as the Patron Saint of motorists and drivers. He is also counted among the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints whose intercession has been sought together since the Middle Ages. His feast day is July 25.
What happened in 1969?
You may have heard that Saint Christopher "is not a saint anymore." That is not true. In 1969, the Church revised its General Roman Calendar, the list of feasts celebrated everywhere in the Latin Church. Saint Christopher's feast was taken off that universal calendar, mainly because so little is known for certain about his life, and his feast was not part of the most ancient Roman tradition.
He was never removed from the list of saints. Saint Christopher is still listed in the Roman Martyrology on July 25, his feast may still be celebrated locally, and Catholics remain free to ask his intercession. Devotion to him, and the custom of wearing his medal, continues around the world.
What Does a Saint Christopher Medal Mean?
A Saint Christopher medal is not a lucky charm. Like every religious medal, it is a sacramental: a visible reminder that turns our hearts to God. Wearing it is a quiet way of asking Saint Christopher to pray for us, and of remembering that Christ goes with us on every road. Many medals carry the words "Saint Christopher Protect Us," a short prayer in itself.
How to Choose a Saint Christopher Medal
Size
Medal size is mostly a matter of who will wear it and how. As a rough guide:
- Small (about 18mm to 20mm): delicate and easy to wear every day, a good fit for women, children, and anyone who wants a subtle medal. The Patron Saint Christopher Round Sterling Silver Medal Pendant with Chain ($64.95) is 18mm and one of our best sellers.
- Medium to large (about 23mm to 31mm): a bolder look that many men prefer. The Patron Saint Christopher Oval Sterling Silver Medal Pendant with Chain ($99.95) is 27mm tall on a 24" chain.
Every listing gives the exact dimensions, so it helps to hold a ruler up to your collarbone before you choose.
Shape: round or oval
Round medals are the traditional shape and show the full scene of the saint crossing the river. Oval medals are a little slimmer and lie neatly against the chest. Neither is more correct; pick the one you find most beautiful.
Metal: sterling silver or gold over sterling silver
Our Saint Christopher medals are solid .925 sterling silver, die struck and hand polished, and made in the USA. Sterling silver is durable, classic, and easy to match. If you prefer a gold color, many designs also come in 16kt gold over sterling silver, such as the Patron Saint Christopher Round Gold Over Sterling Silver Medal ($99.95).
Chain length
Most of our medals include a chain, usually 18" or 24" depending on the medal. An 18" chain rests at or just below the collarbone and is a common choice for women and teens. A 24" chain falls lower and is popular with men, especially with larger medals. Check each product description for the chain that comes with it.
Double sided medals
Some medals pair Saint Christopher with another saint. The Saint Christopher Protect Us and Saint Raphael Double Sided Sterling Silver Medal ($129.95) joins him with Saint Raphael the Archangel, who guided young Tobias on his journey in the Book of Tobit. Two travelers' saints on one medal make a meaningful gift for someone often on the road.
Who Is a Saint Christopher Medal For?
Travelers and drivers
A Saint Christopher medal is a classic gift for a new driver, a college student leaving home, a commuter, a truck driver, or anyone about to take a big trip. Many people keep one in the car as well as wearing one.
Military service members
Those who serve often travel far from home. The Sterling Silver St. Christopher Winged Military Medal with Epoxy Stars and Stripes ($69.95) combines Saint Christopher with an American flag emblem. Many service members also wear Saint Michael the Archangel; see our Saint Michael medals.
Athletes
Teams spend a lot of time on the road, which makes Saint Christopher a popular choice for athletes. Our sports medals show the saint on one side and a sport on the other, like the Saint Christopher Female Volleyball Athlete Medal ($79.95) and the Saint Christopher Baseball Male Athlete Medal ($119.95). Browse every sport on our sports medals page.
See all of our designs in the Saint Christopher collection, or find another patron on our Find Your Patron Saint page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Saint Christopher medal mean?
It is a reminder of faith and a way of asking Saint Christopher, the Patron Saint of travelers, to pray for the wearer. It is often given to someone starting a journey, whether a road trip, a move, or a new chapter of life.
Is Saint Christopher still a saint?
Yes. In 1969 his feast was removed from the Church's universal calendar because little is known for certain about his life, but he remains a saint. He is listed in the Roman Martyrology on July 25, and devotion to him continues.
When is Saint Christopher's feast day?
His feast day is July 25.
Can a non-Catholic wear a Saint Christopher medal?
Yes. Many Christians of other traditions, and many friends of Catholics, wear one. It should simply be worn with respect, as a sign of faith rather than as a good luck charm.
Can women wear a Saint Christopher medal?
Absolutely. Saint Christopher medals are worn by men, women, and children. Smaller round or oval medals on an 18" chain are especially popular with women.
