Also known as Kester; Kitts or Offero, Christopher is believed to have been born in Cana, in Galilee and martyred in the year 251, during the reign of the Roman emperor Decius. Little else is known about him. Christopher's fame derives from the pious legend of him being a "Christ-bearer" (Christopher). His feast day is either July 25th (Roman calendar) or March 9th (Greek calendar).

According to legend, Christopher was a powerfully-built man who wandered the world in search of novelty and adventure. He came upon a hermit who lived beside a dangerous stream and served others by guiding them to safe places to cross. He gave Christopher instruction in the truth of God. Christopher then took the hermit's place, but instead of guiding travellers, he carried them safely across the stream.

One day he carried a small child across the stream. The child's weight nearly crushed him. When they arrived on the other side, the child revealed himself as Christ, and he was so heavy because he bore the weight of the world on himself. He then baptised Christopher with water from the stream.

Christopher's service at the stream led to his patronage of things related to travel, travellers and people who carry things. Among those who travel, Christopher is the patron saint of automobilists, bus drivers, cab drivers, and mariners. He is also the patron of epileptics, fruit dealers, and gardeners. Moreover, he is the protector against archers, hailstorms, lightning, sudden death and toothache. Most interestingly, Christopher is the patron saint of bachelors!