Traditional Offerings to Saint Expedite: A Complete Guide
Making offerings to Saint Expedite is a time-honored tradition that expresses gratitude for answered prayers and strengthens the bond between devotee and saint. This practice bridges ancient religious customs with contemporary spiritual expression.
The Meaning of Offerings
In Catholic tradition, offerings represent:
- Gratitude for prayers answered
- Devotion to the saint
- Sacrifice as an act of faith
- Community building through shared traditions
Traditional Saint Expedite Offerings
1. Red Candles
Red candles are the most iconic offering to Saint Expedite. The color red represents:
- Urgency and immediacy
- The blood of Christ and sacrifice
- The fire of the Holy Spirit
How to offer: Light a red candle daily during your novena or place one on your altar as a perpetual offering.
2. Pound Cake
The tradition of offering pound cake to Saint Expedite stems from a popular legend where the saint helped a merchant who promised him a pound cake in return.
Modern practice: Bake or purchase a pound cake and leave it on your altar. Share portions with others as a way of "making the saint's name known."
3. Flowers
Fresh flowers, particularly red roses, symbolize beauty, devotion, and the ephemeral nature of life.
Traditional choice: Red roses represent love and passion for the faith, while white lilies symbolize purity.
4. Coins and Money
Monetary offerings acknowledge Saint Expedite's patronage of financial matters and represent practical gratitude.
How to offer: Place coins on your altar or donate money to charity in Saint Expedite's name.
Setting Up a Saint Expedite Altar
Basic Requirements
- Image or Statue of Saint Expedite
- Red cloth or altar covering
- Red candle
- Fresh flowers
- Prayer cards or printed prayers
Advanced Altar Setup
For a more elaborate devotion space:
- Crucifix or holy water font
- Incense burner with appropriate scents
- Offering dishes for food items
- Prayer journal for intentions
- Rosary or devotional beads
Modern Offering Practices
Digital Offerings
In our connected world, new forms of offerings have emerged:
- Social media posts sharing answered prayers
- Blog posts about Saint Expedite's intercession
- Online donations to Catholic charities
- Virtual candles on prayer websites
Community Offerings
Many devotees organize:
- Group novenas with shared intentions
- Charity drives in Saint Expedite's name
- Prayer circles for urgent causes
- Testimonial sharing sessions
The Etiquette of Offerings
When to Make Offerings
- Before requesting - as an act of faith
- During prayer - to accompany your petitions
- After receiving - as promised gratitude
- Regular devotion - as ongoing spiritual practice
Proper Disposal
When offerings have served their purpose:
- Food items: Share with others or dispose respectfully
- Candles: Let them burn out completely when possible
- Flowers: Compost or return to nature
- Other items: Cleanse and reuse or donate
Cultural Variations
New Orleans Tradition
In New Orleans Voodoo-influenced Catholicism, offerings often include:
- Coffee and chicory blends
- Local pastries and baked goods
- Tobacco for the saint's military background
- Playing cards symbolizing quick resolution
Latin American Practices
In Latin American countries, devotees often add:
- Local sweets and traditional foods
- Regional flowers and plants
- Cultural artifacts with personal meaning
- Family heirlooms as special offerings
The Spiritual Significance
Making offerings to Saint Expedite teaches us:
- Gratitude in both abundance and want
- Faith in unseen spiritual assistance
- Generosity through sharing blessings
- Humility in recognizing divine intervention
Conclusion
The practice of making offerings to Saint Expedite connects us to centuries of Catholic devotional tradition while allowing for personal expression of faith. Whether you choose traditional red candles and pound cake or modern digital expressions, the important element is the sincerity of your devotion and gratitude.
Remember that the most valuable offering is a heart open to God's grace working through Saint Expedite's intercession.