St. Expeditus, Martyr

Born in Armenia, St. Expeditus was a commander of a Roman Legion during the reign of Diocletion. Tradition tells us that at his conversion, the devil came to him and tried to persuade him to wait until the next day. He refused and converted that very day. For this reason, he is depicted as holding a cross in his right hand reading, "Hodie" ("Today") while crushing under his foot a crow or raven crying, "Cras" ("Tomorrow"). Also for this reason, he is recognized as the Patron Saint against procrastination and the Patron of urgent causes.

St. Expeditus was martyred under Diocletion and is listed in the Roman Martyrology. His statue stands in New Orleans.

Invoke in the urgent business

My Expeditus, Saint of the just and urgent causes, intercede for me. Help me in this hour of affliction and despair. Intercede for me!

My Expeditus, warring Saint that You are; Saint of the afflicted ones, Saint of the desperate ones, Saint of the urgent causes, protect me, help me, give me your force, courage and serenity. Assist me in my request: that mention request.

Holy Expeditus, my Saint! Help me to overcome these difficult hours, protect me from all that can harm me, protect my family, grant my request with urgency. Return me the peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. In return, Great Expeditus, I will be thankful for the rest of my life and I will publicize your name and devotion to others who are faithful. With great thanks,
Amen

(1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, and the Sign of Cross)

Novena to St. Expeditus

Source: internet / Catholic

Saint Expeditus suffered during the time of Diocletion. He Holds a cross in which is inscribed "Hodie" (Today) while he is stepping on a crow which is crying "Cras" (Tomorrow) in order to remind us not to doubt even for a single moment the great mercy of God, and not to postpone for tomorrow devout and trusting prayer and to call on him always as our advocate by the side of our Blessed Virgin.

(With ecclesiastical permission)

Opening Prayer for each day:
Act of Contrition

My LORD Jesus Christ, Father of endless charity, I am heartily sorry for my sins. Grant me, therefore, pardon of my sins and the grace I ask of You thru the merits of the sorrows of Your loving Mother and the virtues of Your martyr, Saint Expeditus.

Prayer to Saint Expeditus for Each Day

Oh Saint Expeditus, my protector, in you I place my hope that my petitions may be granted if they are for my own good. Please ask Our Lord, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, for the forgiveness of my sins, and the grace to change my life, particularly the grace ... (mention here the particular grace desired) and I promise to follow your examples and will propagate this devotion to you.

FIRST DAY

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the lively faith which was granted you by God, I ask you to awaken the same faith in my heart, that I may also believe wholeheartedly that there is God, but most particularly that I may be saved from sinning against Him.

(Pray 3 Our Fathers in honour of the Most Holy Trinity then the concluding prayer.)

Concluding Prayer for Each Day

Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, and sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my words but graciously hear and grant my prayer. Amen.

(Pray 1 Hail Mary in honour of Our Lady of Sorrows.)

SECOND DAY/

My Lord Jesus Christ...
O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expedius, through the eviable hope given you by God, pray that those of little belief may be penetrated by some rays of hope so that they also receive eternal things; please pray that ardent hope in God be also given me and hold me steadfast in the midst of sufferings.