Saint Expeditus
Feast day: April 19
Roman martyr, invoked in urgent causes and the struggle against procrastination.
Saint Expeditus was a Roman soldier who, according to tradition, converted to Christianity in the third century and was martyred for refusing to renounce his faith.
Devotional history tells that, hesitating between paganism and Christ, a crow cried 'cras, cras' (tomorrow, in Latin). Expeditus chose 'hodie' — today — and crushed the bird, becoming a symbol of immediate decision for good.
His devotion spread especially in Europe and the Americas, with strong presence in Brazil, where he is invoked in urgent causes, slow proceedings, and situations requiring quick response.
The relic and image of St. Expeditus with the word 'HODIE' (today) reinforce the message of not delaying conversion or prayer.
Though scholars debate historical details, the Church recognizes his intercession in popular tradition and in various shrines dedicated to the saint.
His liturgical feast is celebrated on April 19. He is patron of urgent causes and a model for those who wish to overcome spiritual sloth.
Dedicated prayer
To the saint of urgent causes, we ask intercession to overcome procrastination and obtain graces with holy haste.
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