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Saint Expeditus
traditionally placed in the third century – around A.D. 303
Saint Expeditus, also known as Saint Expedite, is traditionally honored as an early Christian martyr associated with Melitene in ancient Armenia. Widely invoked as the patron of urgent causes and against procrastination, he reminds Catholics to respond promptly to God’s grace and never delay repentance or the practice of virtue.
Feast Day
April 19
Where From
Associated with Melitene, ancient Armenia (present-day Turkey)
Vocation
Christian martyr; traditionally depicted as a Roman soldier
Patron of
Urgent causes, those struggling with procrastination, merchants, and travelers
About Saint Expeditus
Saint Expeditus is traditionally remembered as an early Christian martyr associated with Melitene during the Roman Empire. His name appears in historical lists of martyrs, although reliable details concerning his life and death have not survived. Later tradition portrays him as a Roman soldier who courageously embraced Christianity during a time of persecution. Over the centuries, devotion to Saint Expeditus spread throughout Europe and eventually to the Americas, where the faithful came to invoke his intercession in urgent difficulties.
According to a beloved legend, the devil appeared to Expeditus as a crow, urging him to postpone his conversion until tomorrow. Expeditus rejected the temptation, declaring Hodie—Latin for “Today”—while the crow cried Cras, meaning “Tomorrow.” Although legendary rather than established history, this account conveys an enduring spiritual lesson. Saint Expeditus reminds Catholic families not to postpone prayer, repentance, charitable works, or obedience to Almighty God, but to respond faithfully to His grace today.