The Rumor: "The Vatican said St. Christopher isn't real and took away his halo in the 1960s."
The Truth: He is still a saint. He is still in heaven. You can still pray to him. However, in 1969, the Church removed his feast day from the Universal Calendar to make room for saints with more historical documentation. His feast is now a "local" celebration.
The Legend
The name Christopher means "Christ-Bearer." The story goes that he was a giant of a man who wanted to serve the most powerful king. A hermit told him to serve Christ by carrying travelers across a dangerous river. One day, a child asked for a ride. As Christopher carried him, the child got heavier and heavier, until it felt like the whole world was on his shoulders. The child revealed Himself as Jesus, who carries the weight of the world.
Fact or Fiction?
Likely, "Christopher" was a Roman martyr named Reprobus who died in the 3rd century. The story of the river is probably an allegory for his spiritual life (carrying Christ to others). But allegories are true in a different way. He protects travelers.
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