There is some question about whether or not Saint Expeditus was a real saint or was instead a figment of an overactive imagination. Maybe this is because a patron saint of procrastination named Expeditus is just too good of a pun to be taken seriously.
The evidence for his existence says that he was one of six Armenian Christians (possibly Roman soldiers) martyred in Melitene in the seventeenth century; his fellow martyrs being Saints Hermogenes, Gaius, Aristonicus, Rufus and Galata.
The Saint Who Didn’t Procrastinate
Saint Expeditus is usually depicted as a Roman soldier who holds a palm frond, the symbol of martyrdom, in one hand. He also holds a cross, raised above his head, on which is written “Hodie” the Latin word for “today.” Beneath his feet is a raven labeled “Cras” which is Latin for “tomorrow.”
It’s believed that when Expeditus was about to convert to Christianity, the devil appeared to him in the form of a raven and tried to get Expeditus to hold off until the next day. Expeditus cried, “I become a Christian today!” and stomped on the raven.
A “Punny” Saint Name
Although there are several stories about how Saint Expeditus got his name and claim to fame, the one with the widest circulation states that his remains were shipped from Rome to a Paris convent.
According to the tale, the relics came with no identifying label, only the box was marked “Spedito” which is Italian for “special delivery” but the nuns assumed this was the name of the saint. They Latinized “Spedito” into “Expeditus” and the name stuck.
This story explains why he is the patron saint of procrastination, but why of finances? Maybe because putting things off to long (paying a bill, getting some work done) leads to financial woes.
How to Ask Saint Expeditus for Help with Money Problems
- Write out your specific money problem on a piece of paper.
- Place a picture of Saint Expeditus on a windowsill and place some coins in a cup next to the picture.
- Say one of the following prayers:
For a specific money problem (the one written on paper)
"Saint Expeditus,
"Please pray to God to help me to obtain enough financial resources so that I may live peacefully content. Let my heart be full and may my needs be few. Amen."
For general help and financial support:
"Saint Expeditus,
"I trust that you will pray to God on mand ask Him help me obtain everything I truly need."
Saint Expeditus’ Dark Side
Testimonies of Expeditus granting favors at lightning speed have led him to popularity in the secular world. Sadly, these stories have reduced him to a mere superstition in some populations.
Expeditus also has an unfortunate association with Voodo and Hoodo, which makes him a bit of a quandary for devout Roman Catholics and the Christian Church.
Perhaps in response to his dual association, the Church has offered a novena to Saint Expeditus which may help to return him to a wholesome and Christian place. Procrastinators can invoke Expeditus’ help with overcoming procrastination by using the traditional novena prayer to Expeditus; that is, if they don’t procrastinate.
How to Thank Saint Expeditus
After your request is granted, you may remove some of the coins from the cup, but always leave at least one to express your gratitude. Then give money, food or clothing to a child, pregnant woman, or elderly person who is in need.
