St. Christopher Novena – 9 Days of Prayer
For protection during travel, safety on the road, and safe arrival at your destination
St. Christopher, whose name means Christ-bearer, is the traditional patron of travellers. Catholics keep his medals in cars and bags. This novena asks for protection on the road, safe arrival and mindful travel. Though his feast was removed from the universal calendar, he remains a saint and a beloved patron. The traditional date is July 25. The old legend of the giant who carried a child across a river gave him his name, though historians consider the details uncertain. What remains certain is the Church's custom of blessing travellers, and this novena fits neatly into it.
A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (July 25) and finish on its eve. You can pray this novena at any time of year.
Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle PlaySt. Christopher Novena – prayer for all nine days
Intention: For Safe Travel and Protection on the Journey
Almighty and ever-living God, who granted to St. Christopher the grace to carry the Christ Child safely across the raging waters, extend Your protection to all travelers through his powerful intercession.
Dear St. Christopher, you have inherited a beautiful name — Christ-Bearer — as a result of a wonderful legend that, while carrying people across a raging stream, you once carried the Christ Child. Teach me to be a true Christ-Bearer to those I encounter each day.
(Pause here to mention your intentions)
Protect all travelers, St. Christopher. Shield them with your mighty power against all dangers of body and soul. Be with those who travel by land, by sea, and by air. Watch over those who drive on busy roads and those who journey to distant places.
Grant us safe passage through this life, and at the end of our earthly journey, bring us safely home to God.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...
St. Christopher, pray for us.
Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.
Traditional Catholic Prayer · One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, venerated since the early centuries of the Church
More novenas
- St. Jude Novena
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena
- St. Joseph Novena
- St. Therese Novena
- St. Anthony of Padua Novena
- St. Rita Novena
Frequently asked questions
When should I start the St. Christopher Novena?
Begin on July 16 to end on July 24, the eve of his traditional feast on July 25, or start nine days before a long trip.
How do I pray the St. Christopher Novena?
Pray the daily prayer once a day and add a short prayer before each journey.
Who is the St. Christopher Novena for?
It is for drivers, travellers, pilgrims and families sending someone far away.
Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app
Open in the app App StoreGoogle Play