"Well, St. Espedee [Expeditus] works very quickly. His light is a red light on a Wednesday. He's fo' close scrapes -- he's fo' quick money." -New Orleans, LA. InformantApril 19 is the feast day of Saint Expeditus, patron of emergencies and solutions, guardian of programmers and hackers, staunch opponent of procrastination. Reputedly a fourth-century Roman martyr, Expeditus has evolved into a cult figure and voodoo saint, with strong followings in Réunion, Chile, and New Orleans.
Procrastination is a subtle siren, singing of drudgery deferred and duties delayed. It is a democratic habit, and encompasses all ages and walks of life. The teacher is just as likely to put off unwanted paperwork as the student.
There are a number of websites that offer practical advice on how to simply, streamline and prioritize your life. Study Hacks labels itself an "academic productivity blog." Primarily aimed at college students, its posts on achieving success while reducing stress are applicable to learners at all levels. Zen Habits promotes a simple lifestyle, presumably unfettered by the guilt that procrastination can bring. Lifehack focuses on "hacks, tips and tricks that get things done quickly by automating, increase productivity and organizing."
The end result of procrastination is usually panic and a flurry of activity. This prayer to Saint Expeditus might come in handy when those pesky deadlines finally catch up with you:
"Invoke in the urgent business"
My Expeditus Saint of the just and urgent causes intercedes close to for me Ours Mr. Jesus Cristo, help me in this hour of affliction and despair. Intercede close to for me ours Mr. Jesus Cristo! My Expeditus Saint You that are a warring Saint, You that you are the Saint of the afflicted ones, You that you are the Saint of the desperate ones. You that are the Saint of the urgent causes, Protect me, Help me, Give me you force, courage and serenity. Assist to my request. To " do the request ". My Expeditus Saint! Help me to overcome these difficult hours, protejei-me of everybody that can harm me, protect my family, assist to my request with urgency. Return me the peace and the peace. My Expeditus Saint! I will be thankful for the rest of my life and I will take its name the whole ones that have faith. A lot of thank you.
If you don't read this blog until after April 19, don't worry because "You can celebrate St. Expy Day whenever you get around to it!"
"I think that wherever your journey takes you, there are new gods waiting there, with divine patience -- and laughter." -Susan M. Watkins
