Saint Expeditus and Brazilian Jobs

I just wanted to point out a fascinating Wall Street Journal center column article today on the growth in popularity of St. Expeditus in Brazil. Basically he’s seen as a saint of “urgent needs” – similar to a St. Jude – but people typically ask for his help in finding work. In Brazil today, consumer credit rates are around 150% and the unemployment rate is around 20%, so times are tight. In the article, a religious studies professor notes, “He’s the saint for real-time solutions.” Interesting.

I always find it fascinating when devotion to an obscure saint takes hold in an area. St. Expeditus was a Roman soldier around 300 A.D. who was martyred for his faith. I would love to know how this devotion took such hold over Brazilian Catholics. The Wall Street Journal even has his holy card on the cover page – perhaps unemployed Americans will take up the devotion now?

God bless,
Jay

PS - an interesting note in the article is that an Evangelical church was growing quickly by preaching a "health and wealth" version of the Gospel, but now the previously Catholic parishioners are returning to the Catholic church.