St. Expedite Novena for the Sick and Financially Stressed

St. Expedite’s Feast Day is April 19th.

Editor’s Comments: I first learned of St. Expedite in 2019, when seeing the St. Expedite Society Banner in the Sicilian Museum in Independence Louisiana. I was taken out to a small Chapel built in his honor following the Great Depression to honor a commitment made the farmer who prayed for financial relief to save his family’s home.

Research led to learning of a St. Expedite Statue at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Rampart Street in New Orleans. The Church was built to bury the dead during a severe Yellow Fever epidemic in the 1820s.

Some, such as Fr. Dan Cambra, tell a humorous story about how the crate with the statue arrived to the Ursuline nuns and of confusion as to who it was. I prefer to believe it was intentionally shipped to a city besieged with Yellow Fever that was equipping a special church. Included in the shipment was the Shrine to St. Jude, the “Patron Saint of Lost Causes.”

The St. Expedite Novena gives structured prayer to help New Orleans in times of epidemics and financial hardships. Today Our Lady of Guadeloupe’s ministry is helping those facing financial hardship via the St. Jude cafeteria.

As New Orleans and the world are experiencing both a time of sickness and financial hardship, structured prayer can be a powerful tool of faith.

Prayer to Saint Expedite

“I ask you, Saint Expedite, to aid me in my financial difficulties. Let your strength and support protect my income and help me obtain enough money so that I will not suffer need and want.

Please let peace and enjoyment reign in my household. I ask you and pray that my wishes be granted, and glorify your intercession. Amen”

Saint Expedite is patron saint over all urgent matters. He also goes by the name Saint Expeditus. He is also patron saint against procrastination.

He is the saint of emergencies. He loves speed.

Who was Saint Expedite?

He lived in the fourth century. He was a Roman soldier. This is why most images of Expedite show him dressed in clothes like a soldier. As a soldier he learned about Christianity. He decided he wanted to convert to Christianity and devote his life to this new faith.

As soon as he had made that decision the devil appeared before him in the form of a crow. The devil demanded that he delay his decision to join the Christian faith until the next day.

Expedite refused and firmly stated he would become a Christian today. This is why images show Saint Expedite stepping on a crow. He is killing procrastination. “Hodie” is the Latin word for “today”. The word “Hodie” can be seen on the cross he is holding.

“Cras” is the Latin word for “tomorrow”. The word “Cras” can be seen on the banner connected to the crow. Basically this sends out a powerful message; the saint is crushing tomorrow and replacing it with today.

He was beheaded on April 19th , 303 during the Diocletian Persecution. The day he converted to Christianity.

St. Expedite Novena Mural in Palermo contains images of people praying over the sick on days three and four.

St. Expedite Statues in Louisiana

St. Expedite Statue is in the rear of Our Lady of Guadalupe in New Orleans.

Built during Yellow Fever epidemics.

Novena to Saint Expedite

The word Novena is derived for the Latin word for the number nine “Novem.”

For the most part, a Novena is often undertaken with a certain request in mind, and spans over nine days. Each Day has its own prayer. You can also do a Novena over nine hours as well in which those prayers are said over nine hours instead of days.  Nearly all Catholic Saints have a tradition in which they have a Novena in their name.

The concept of the Novena is said to be derived from a passage in the New Testament. Acts 1:14, “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”

However, all it says is that Jesus’ disciples and Mary prayed constantly but does not indicate how many days. It was later extrapolated to mean that they prayed for nine days until the Pentecost.

Day 1

Opening Prayer:

“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.”

Prayer:

“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 a God, but most particularly that I may be saved from sinning against Him.”

Now Say the “Our Father” Prayer Three times:

“Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

Say the “Hail Mary” Once:

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.”

Closing Prayer – Say the “Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary” Once:

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.”

Day 2:

Opening Prayer:

“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.”

Prayer:

“O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expedius, through the enviable 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.”

Now Say the “Our Father” Prayer Three times:

“Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

Say the “Hail Mary” Once:

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.”

Closing Prayer – Say the “Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary” Once:

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.”

Day 3:

Opening Prayer:

“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.”

Prayer:

“O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the endless love which Our Lord planted in your heart, please remove from mine all the shackles tied by worldliness, that without them I may love only God in all eternity.”

Now Say the “Our Father” Prayer Three times:

“Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

Say the “Hail Mary” Once:

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.”

Closing Prayer – Say the “Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary” Once:

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.”

Day 4:

Opening Prayer:

“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.”

Prayer:

“O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, who knew full well the teaching of the Divine Teacher to carry the cross and follow Him, ask Him for the graces I need that I may fight my own passions.”

Now Say the “Our Father” Prayer Three times:

“Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

Say the “Hail Mary” Once:

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.”

Closing Prayer – Say the “Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary” Once:

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.”

Day 5:

Opening Prayer:

“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.”

Prayer:

“O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the bountiful graces you received from Heaven that you may conserve all your virtues, grant also that I may get rid of all the feelings that block my way to Heaven.”

Now Say the “Our Father” Prayer Three times:

“Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

Say the “Hail Mary” Once:

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.”

Closing Prayer –  Say the “Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary” Once:

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.”

Day 6:

Opening Prayer:

“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.”

Prayer:

“O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the sufferings and humiliations which you received for the love of God, grant me also this grace which is very pleasing to God and free me from anger and hardness of heart which is the stumbling block of my soul.”

Now Say the “Our Father” Prayer Three times:

“Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

Say the “Hail Mary” Once:

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.”

Closing Prayer – Say the “Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary” Once:

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.”

Day 7:

Opening Prayer:

“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.”

Prayer:

“O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, you know that prayer is the golden key that will open the Kingdom of Heaven, teach me to pray in a manner which is desirable to Our Lord and to His Heart, that I may live only for Him, that I may die only for Him, and that I may pray only to Him in all eternity.”

Now Say the “Our Father” Prayer Three times:

“Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

Say the “Hail Mary” Once:

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.”

Closing Prayer – Say the “Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary” Once:

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.”

Day 8:

Opening Prayer:

“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.”

Prayer:

“O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the clean desires that reigned in all your feelings, words, and actions, please let them guide me also in my endless search for the glory of God and the good of my fellow men.”

Now Say the “Our Father” Prayer Three times:

“Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

Say the “Hail Mary” Once:

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.”

Closing Prayer – Say the “Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary” Once:

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.”

Day 9:

Opening Prayer:

“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.”

Prayer:

“O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, who was so much loved by the Queen of Heaven, that to you nothing was denied, ask her, please my advocate, that through the sufferings of her Divine Son and her own sorrows, I may receive this day the grace I ask of you; but above all the grace to die first before I commit any mortal sin.”

Now Say the “Our Father” Prayer Three times:

“Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

Say the “Hail Mary” Once:

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.”

Closing Prayer – Say the “Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary” Once:

“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.”