Every April 19 around the world is celebrated the day of San expeditothe patron of the just and urgent causes. In Argentina there is even a Church: the Our Lady of Balvanera Parishwhich receives thousands of people every year to make their offering.
San Expedito: who was he and why his day is celebrated this April 19
According to those who studied the life of this saint, Expedito was born in the 3rd century (his birthplace is unknown, which could have been Armenia) and had a military career: he was commander of the XII Roman Legions to the orders of Emperor Dioclesian. This legion also bore the name “Fulminant“, due to a war feat that made her famous.
Bet on what today would be Türkiye, the main mission of these soldiers was to defend Roman territory from the attack of the Huns. In the middle of his task, Expedito began to have more and more devotion to the Christian faithand after some doubts he finally decided to convert.
Saint Expedite, patron of just and urgent causes. (Photo: Luciano Thieberger)
According to tradition, before his decision, A crow appeared in front of him and said “Cras”, which is Latin for “morning.” However, Expedito replied “Hodie”, that is, “today”, referring to the fact that he would not let any more time pass to adopt Christianity.
Behind this, Expedito He decided to preach his faith to all his troops and defend all the Christians who were sent to the circuses to fight against lions and be devoured by them. which aroused the wrath of Emperor Dioclesianwho gave the order to kill him.
Saint Expedite’s Day is celebrated every April 19. (Photo: Luciano Thieberger)
Finally, after questioning him for several days, On April 19, 303, Expeditus was beheaded at Melitene.seat of one of the Roman Provinces in Armenia, along with his fellow soldiers Caius, Galatas, Hermogenes, Aristonicus and Rufus.
Thousands of people gathered in Balvanera in 2018 to venerate San Expedito. (Photo: Pedro Lázaro Fernández)
What is the prayer to Saint Expedite to ask for miracles?
“My Saint Expeditus of just and urgent causes, intercede for me with Our Lord Jesus Christ, so that he may come to my aid in this hour of affliction and despair.
My Saint Expedito, you who are the Holy warrior. You who are the Saint of the afflicted. You who are the Saint of the desperate. You who are the Saint of urgent causes, protect me, help me, granting me: strength, courage and serenity. Take my request! (In this part the order must be placed).
My Saint Expedito, help me get through these difficult hours, protect me from all those who could harm me, protect my family, attend to my request urgently. Give me back peace and tranquility.
My Saint Expeditus! I will be grateful for the rest of my life and will spread your name to all who have Faith. Thank you very much
The 3-day prayer to ask Saint Expedite for help:
It is I pray to Saint Expedite It is usually done for three days in a row for extreme and urgent situations:
First day
Tears come out of my eyes, anguish and disappointment can be seen on my face, my soul begs for your help, I have no more strength to move forward.
I come to you, Saint Expedite, I beg you to take this pain away from me as soon as possible, I trust you completely, make my heart fill with hope and faith, and always continue on the path of good. I know that you always protect me and guide me. Amen.
Second day
Today is a very gray day, I can’t see clearly, my enemies are stalking me, they want to hurt me without mercy.
That is why today I turn to you, Saint Expedite, I can no longer handle this weight that I carry, the betrayal, the falsehood, the lack of tolerance that exists in my life at this moment, do not allow me to move forward, but if you, Saint Expedite , you are by my side, none of this can hurt me or stop me.
Cover me and protect me from all my enemies, who only want to hurt me. Give me your protection urgently. Amen.
Third day
Your courage can be felt, Saint Expedite, that is why God chose you as his servant, no evil can overcome you.
You are stronger than any hurricane, you emerged victorious from the harshest storms, and among the most inhuman and ruthless men, you put an end to evil and hatred, you managed to make love flourish in the most ruthless and cold souls, because only you, Saint Expedito, you can do everything.
And with you by my side anything is possible, glorious Saint Expedite, pray for me, for my family and for world peace. Amen.
