Day 2 — Hope

Meditation

The hope that sustained Saint Expeditus even to martyrdom was not human optimism but certainty in God's aid. Whoever places trust in God does not faint in trials: he knows the cross has a dawn. The devil sows despair, but the martyr teaches us to keep our eyes fixed on Him who conquered death.

Prayer of the Day

O glorious martyr Saint Expeditus, by the hope that sustained you to martyrdom, I ask that those who doubt be pierced by rays of hope, and that amid my sufferings I may keep firm my trust in God. You who did not postpone your conversion and faced martyrdom with courage, obtain for me the strength not to faint in trials. Amen.

(Here make the particular petition.)

Final Prayer (for all days)

O Jesus Christ, protect us today and always, but especially today. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. Saint Expeditus, glorious martyr and patron of just and urgent causes, pray for us.

(Three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys, and three Glorias, in honor of the Most Holy Trinity.)