Feast Day: April 19
In New Orleans, we know that not every grace arrives slowly. Some blessings come rushing in right on time — and for that, many here thank St. Expedite.
St. Expedite (often spelled St. Expeditus or St. Expedit) is one of the beloved local spirits venerated in our city. If you visit the Chapel of Guadalupe on Basin Street, you’ll often find requests and offerings gathered at his statue: slips of paper with urgent petitions, candles, flowers, and gifts of gratitude. He is the one you call on when you need a quick fix, a prompt answer, or a door to open without delay.
The Legend of St. Expedite
One popular story tells of a Roman centurion statue that became separated from a crucifixion scene and shipped on its own. When the crate arrived in New Orleans, the nuns who received it weren’t sure which saint it depicted. The only clue was the word stamped on the outside of the crate: “Expedité.” Taking the label as a sign, they began referring to him as St. Expedité.
Versions of this tale appear in other parts of Europe as well, making it something of a shared urban legend rather than a story unique to our city. Still, New Orleans has embraced St. Expedite as one of our own.
A Saint Who Says “Today, Not Tomorrow”
The iconography of St. Expedite carries a clear spiritual lesson about urgency and intention.
• In one hand, he holds a cross inscribed with the word “Hodie,” Latin for today.
• Under his right foot is a crow, depicted as crying “Cras,” a sound that echoes the Latin word for tomorrow.
Putting it together, the message is simple and powerful:
Don’t put off to tomorrow what should be done today.
St. Expedite is a patron for those moments when procrastination, fear, or confusion threaten to delay what we know in our hearts must happen now. He encourages decisive action, clarity, and follow-through.
In our home, St. Expedite holds a place of honor with his own shrine. We regularly offer him fresh flowers, light a red candle, and burn cinnamon-scented incense.
Celebrating His Feast Day: April 19
April 19 is traditionally observed as the feast day of St. Expedite. It is an especially powerful time to:
• Break your own patterns of delay and procrastination
• Commit to long-postponed tasks
• Offer thanks for past favors granted
A Prayer to St. Expedite
St. Expedite, holy patron of urgent causes, you who know the weight of waiting and the relief of timely grace, I come before you with trust. [Here, state your request silently or aloud.]
St. Expedite, clear away all delays, cut through confusion and hesitation, and bring swift aid where it is most needed. Strengthen my courage to do today what I have long put off until tomorrow. Guide my steps, clarify my path, and let the answer arrive at the right time for the highest good of all.
In gratitude, I promise to honor you, to give thanks for your intercession, and to share the story of your help that others may know your kindness.
St. Expedite, hear my prayer. St. Expedite, hasten to my aid.
As April 19 approaches, may St. Expedite inspire you to act, to decide, and to move forward with purpose — today, not tomorrow.