The Powerful St. Expedite Novena for Healing and Financial Hardships

cairngormdocs 13/09/2023

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Unveiling the Miraculous Devotion to St. Expedite

Editor’s Comments: In 2019, while visiting the Sicilian Museum in Independence, Louisiana, I stumbled upon the St. Expedite Society Banner that piqued my curiosity. It led me to a small Chapel erected in honor of St. Expedite during the Great Depression. The chapel was a testament to the farmer’s commitment and prayers for financial relief to save his family’s home.

Further research led me to another intriguing St. Expedite Statue at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in New Orleans. This church was constructed to bury the victims of a severe Yellow Fever epidemic in the 1820s. Some share a humorous tale of the confusion surrounding the statue’s delivery to the Ursuline nuns, while others believe it was intentionally shipped to a city grappling with the Yellow Fever outbreak.

Today, the St. Expedite Novena offers a structured prayer to help New Orleans during times of epidemics and financial struggles. Our Lady of Guadalupe’s ministry, through the St. Jude cafeteria, is extending assistance to those facing financial hardships. In these challenging times, structured prayer can be a powerful tool of faith.

The Prayer to Saint Expedite

“I implore you, Saint Expedite, to assist me in my financial challenges. May your strength and support safeguard my income and provide me with the means to overcome scarcity and adversity. I beseech you to bring peace and abundance into my household. Grant my wishes, and in doing so, may your intercession be glorified. Amen.”

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Saint Expedite, also known as Saint Expeditus, is the patron saint for urgent matters and against procrastination. He is renowned as the saint of emergencies, known for his affinity for speed.

Unveiling the Life of Saint Expedite

Saint Expedite, a Roman soldier who lived in the fourth century, played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity. Most depictions of him illustrate his soldier-like attire, symbolizing his previous life. Upon deciding to convert to Christianity, Expedite was met with a challenge from the devil, who appeared in the form of a crow. The devil urged him to delay his conversion until the following day, but Expedite, resolute in his faith, refused and professed his dedication to Christianity on that very day. This is symbolized by images of Saint Expedite stepping on a crow—a representation of conquering procrastination. The Latin words “Hodie” (today) and “Cras” (tomorrow) inscribed on his cross and the crow’s banner signify the saint’s triumph over delaying actions.

Saint Expedite met his martyrdom on April 19th, 303, during the Diocletian Persecution—a sacrifice he made on the day he embraced Christianity.

Discovering St. Expedite’s Influence: Images of Faith

The St. Expedite Novena Mural in Palermo, Sicily, depicts people fervently praying for the sick on the third and fourth days. This powerful mural captures the essence of the devotion to St. Expedite.

In Louisiana, the St. Expedite Chapel in Independence stands as a testament to a family that survived the devastating Great Depression of the 1930s. Reportedly, a farmer in Independence turned to St. Expedite in prayer, and miraculously, his farm and family endured the hardships of the era.

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Inspired by these stories, the Sicilians of Independence formed the St. Expedite Society, as evidenced by the brand-new banner created in 2019—a tribute to their faith and the impact of St. Expedite’s intercession.

In New Orleans, the revered Our Lady of Guadalupe Church houses the St. Expedite Statue. This church was built during the Yellow Fever epidemics, serving as a beacon of hope during those trying times.

Embracing the Power of Novena

The word “Novena” derives from the Latin term for “nine” – “Novem.” Novenas traditionally span nine days, with each day featuring its unique prayer. Alternatively, you can opt for a nine-hour Novena, where the prayers are conducted over a concentrated period. Numerous Catholic Saints have Novenas associated with them, including Saint Expedite.

The concept of Novena finds its roots in the New Testament, particularly Acts 1:14: “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Although the duration of their prayers is not specified, it is believed that they prayed for nine days leading up to Pentecost.

Day 1: Commencing the Novena

Opening Prayer:
“Oh Saint Expeditus, my protector, I place my hope in you, trusting that my petitions will be granted if they serve my own good. Through your intercession with the Blessed Virgin, I seek forgiveness for my sins and the grace to transform my life. Specifically, I ask for [mention your desired grace]. In return, I promise to follow your example and spread devotion to you.”

Prayer:
“Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, your unwavering faith, bestowed upon you by God, inspired me to wholeheartedly believe in the existence of our Lord. I beseech you to instill in my heart the same faith, saving me from straying from His path.”

Recite 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.”

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Recite the “Hail Mary” prayer once:
“Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art 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 – Recite the “Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary” once:
“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who sought your intercession or sought refuge under your protection was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I now fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you, I come, before you, I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.”