Saint Expedite as a Roman centurion in a red cloak, raising a cross marked HODIE, stepping on the crow that cried tomorrow, holding the palm of martyrdom

Saint Expedite

Patron of Urgent Causes

When you cannot wait until tomorrow, call on the saint of today.

Saint Expedite — Saint Expeditus — was a Roman centurion martyred for the Christian faith around the year 303. His name means swift, expeditious, and for centuries the faithful have turned to him when time is short and the need is great: the urgent bill, the looming deadline, the exam, the crisis that cannot wait.

The Legend in Brief

On the day Expedite decided to become a Christian, the devil appeared as a crow, crying “Cras! Cras!” — “Tomorrow! Tomorrow!” Put it off, the bird croaked. Expedite crushed the crow beneath his foot and proclaimed “Hodie!” — “Today!”

That is why he is always painted with a cross marked HODIE raised high, a palm frond of martyrdom in his hand, and the crow underfoot. And that is why, when his devotees pray, they pray for today — not someday. Read his full story →

How This Shrine Serves You

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Light a Candle

Kindle a virtual candle in the chapel for your intention. It burns for 1, 3, or 7 days.

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Leave a Petition

Write your urgent need on the petition wall, and let fellow devotees pray with you.

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Prayers & Novena

The classic prayer to Saint Expedite, a 9-day novena, and how to petition him properly.

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Share Your Testimony

When he answers — and he does — give public thanks, as tradition requires.

His feast day is April 19. Wednesday is his traditional day of devotion. Red candles, a glass of water, red flowers — and when your prayer is answered, a slice of pound cake and public thanks. Learn the traditions →