Frequently Asked Questions
The questions devotees ask most — about candles, privacy, donations, and the saint himself — answered plainly and honestly.
Getting started
Who is Saint Expedite?
He is the patron saint of urgent causes. Tradition holds that he was a Roman centurion who chose Christ “today” — Hodie in Latin — refusing the voice that urged him to wait until “tomorrow” (Cras). That is why devotees turn to him when a need cannot wait. His full story is on our Story page.
Do I have to be Catholic to pray here?
No. This shrine is kept in the Catholic tradition of devotion to Saint Expedite, and everyone who comes with a sincere and respectful heart is welcome — Catholic or not.
Is this shrine part of the Catholic Church?
No. It is a private devotional shrine, kept by a devotee. Saint Expedite has been loved for centuries as a matter of popular devotion; he is not on the Church’s official calendar of saints, and we say that openly. Nothing here replaces your parish or your priest.
Candles and prayers
How do I light a candle?
Go to the Chapel, write your intention in your own words, and choose how long your candle burns — 1, 3, or 7 days. It is always free, and you do not need an account.
Is a real candle lit for me?
Your candle here is a virtual flame: it burns in real time on this site for the days you choose, beside the candles of devotees around the world, so you can return and watch it. The shrine is also a real place of prayer — real red candles and flowers are kept here, and donations help keep them burning.
What do other people see when I light a candle?
Your intention appears on the Petitions page, under the name you give — or as “Anonymous” if you leave the name blank — so that other devotees can pray for you. Your email is never shown. Because the wall is public, please leave out private details like full names, addresses, or phone numbers.
Can I stay completely anonymous?
Yes. Just leave the name space empty and your candle will appear as “Anonymous.” Most devotees use only a first name, or none at all.
Can I light a candle for someone else, or for a special day coming up?
Yes. You can light a candle for another person’s intention, and you can also reserve a candle to be lit on a meaningful date — a surgery, a court day, an exam, a birthday — and it will begin burning on that day.
What is a novena, and what if I miss a day?
A novena is the same prayer prayed for nine days in a row. Our novena pages guide you one day at a time. If you miss a day, do not start over — simply carry on from where you left off. Saint Expedite is not keeping score.
What is the Prayer Hour?
Every Wednesday at 7 PM Eastern, devotees gather to pray together for the intentions on the wall — on the Prayer Hour page here, and live on our Instagram. Bring your intention, or come and pray for someone else’s. It costs nothing, ever.
Donations and offerings
Does it cost anything to light a candle or pray a novena?
No. Candles, novenas, the Prayer Hour, and every prayer on this site are free, always. Donations are voluntary gifts from devotees who want to help the shrine — they are never asked for in exchange for a prayer.
Where does my donation go?
Every gift is divided three ways: help for people in need, the shrine’s real candles and flowers, and keeping this site running so Saint Expedite’s name reaches more people. One honesty note: this is a private devotional shrine, not a registered charity, so donations are not tax-deductible.
What offerings are traditional for Saint Expedite?
Red candles, red flowers, and a glass of water are the traditional offerings; in New Orleans, devotees famously offer pound cake. But the offering he is said to love most is public thanks when a prayer is answered — telling others what he did for you, and spreading his name.
My prayer was answered. How do I give thanks?
Share your testimony on our Testimonies page, so that someone in the middle of their own urgent need can read it and take heart. With your permission, we publish it for other devotees.
Writing to the shrine
I have a question, a private prayer request, or a problem with the site.
For a private intention you do not want on the public wall, use the Confide page — it comes only to the keeper of the shrine. For anything about the site itself, the Feedback page or an email to [email protected] reaches us.
🕯️ When you finish praying, light a candle in the chapel for your intention — and let it burn as you wait for his answer. Hodie.