Day Eight: Bad Ambassador

Three minutes and twenty three seconds. This is the length of the recorded Sermon from this morning's Mass. It will be available on YouTube shortly.

Bishop Ambrose, also known as Father Moran, or the Purple Poser in some circles, said Mass this morning for the seminarians. After Mass, he joined the seminarians at breakfast. He left for the airport not long after.

I regret not having more time to speak with him, and not having enough time to ask some of the questions I have received and have seen on various forums.

While I have seen the documents sent by the Toronto Eparchy, and the photographs, I must continue my research. The Eparchy has apparently released a letter that contradicts their archive's information. My work is far from over. Any contradictory information should be analyzed carefully, and weighed against all other data.

It is important to keep personal bias out at all times. To do otherwise would be a detriment to the resistance as a whole. The truth must be represented in whole, without corruption or interpretation.

I interpreted the documents from the Eparchy as concrete evidence, that these documents proved the veracity of Ambrose's ordination and incardination. Typically, certificates and documents such as these are fairly solid proof. This case, however, calls for further scrutiny, due to the allegations made against Ambrose.

This must wait until Monday, for tomorrow is a Sunday, and a feast day.

Sometimes, it is good to be a doubting Thomas. One must not take everything at face value. I hope to get some answers this week.

The seminary is quiet, and all have gone to bed. It has been a busy week for everyone. This is a good bunch of seminarians, and they will do well this year. I hope they will continue to receive the support and encouragement to follow the will of God, whatever this may be.

Day Seven: Note to Self

There are certain things that are best suited for those with the tools and the talent. Plumbing is not one of my specialties, so I call a plumber when the need arises. The same thing applies with construction, electrical work or brain surgery.

I have spent a ton of time on the kitchen this week. I have made most of the food served to the priests, seminarians and others here. I am cooking for at least 15 people at each meal. There are plenty of mouths to feed, for sure.

With so much time in the kitchen, it is difficult to find enough time to do more research on the validity of Bishop Ambrose's ordination as priest. I did spend some time, however, with the documents.

The Eparchy of Toronto sent two documents; the ordination certificate and the letter of incardination (not indoctrination) into the Eparchy. This Eparchy is Ukrainian Catholic, and is in communion with Rome.  

The photos available offer more support for the validity of these documents.

It is clearer that Bishop Ambrose was ordained a priest, and that the Eparchy of Toronto has confirmed this to be the case.

There is, of course, more information about the ordination, and there are eye witnesses, according to those who have done this research.

I hope this information will soon be released publicly, to those who, like the Apostle Thomas, needed proof for themselves. Doubt is a difficult thing to overcome, especially with all the stories floating around the internet about the man who claims to be a bishop.

I had my doubts about his ordination at first. The Eparchy's archives offer credence to Ambrose's claims that he is a Catholic priest.

His consecration is my next target of inquiry. That will have to wait for another day.

The first week in Boston is over. It has been an interesting experience. I have cooked, cleaned, and assisted the seminarians in various ways. I am currently caring for one of the seminarians who fell ill earlier today. I hope no one else gets sick, but it is that time of year, and if one gets sick, there's a good chance others will, too.

I should dust off the old chicken soup recipe, just in case.

Day Six: Timestretched

Time moves differently in Boston than anywhere else in the world. These six days have been the busiest weeks of my life.

The cooking has consumed most of my hours. People need to eat, and there are always mouths to feed at OLMC.

Mother has taught me well. These priests and seminarians have had the best of my cooking abilities, and what I have learned, I received from Mom.

Time is important, as we live and die by time. There never seems to be enough of this precious commodity, thought there is nothing more often wasted than the time we have on earth.

The time has come for a more thorough analysis of the seminary. There are three areas of concern for many people: Bishop Ambrose, Pablo the Mexican and the seminary program's ability to form vocations.

I will focus on these three issues, while I cover the daily grind of seminary life. These issues are the meat and potatoes, and I have not given them due coverage.

I did, however, make a smashing hamburger gravy and mashed potatoes for dinner. These seminarians seem to like the food. Bishop Ambrose was particularly grateful for my attempts to offer meatless dishes, while maintaining the same level of quality as the rest of the food.

Bishop Ambrose is an interesting character. His mannerisms are that of a humble, old monk, with a bit of a wit about him. There is a particularly pleasant demeanor, and his mind is sharp and clear.

It would be a tragedy if he turned out to be a fraud.

I searched through the available paperwork earlier today, and through the photographs provided by the bishop, as well as by other people. I heard the information gathered from multiple sources. I am convinced, from this evidence, that this Ambrose is a real person. That much is certain.

I see evidence that he was ordained as a priest. I want to see more evidence for his Episcopal consecration. I have not gone through all the documentation yet, and this work will take hours to cross reference. I do know that some of this work has already been done, that some of the sources and documents have been verified. I like to do my own research, rather than relying on the work of others.

It is like cooking; I prefer to make from scratch.

I only hope I have the time to do so.

Day Five: Postcards and Letters

Bishop Ambrose is an inescapable issue when dealing with the seminary in Boston. Everything about him seems to elicit strong responses, most especially from those who doubt his claims. His presence outweighs any other issue, even the all-important topic of what the seminarians had for lunch and dinner (lasagna made from scratch, etc.).

I needed to see for myself the evidence brought to Father's attention. I also needed to bring to his attention the information provided by the many readers from Cathinfo, in addition to questions donated to me by Father Voigt.

As Spock once said, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one." With so many people asking for a definite answer, I had hoped to bring to the many these important answers.

I was allowed to view some of the documentation, the photos, postcards and letters, and a few other documents.

The problem with documentation, especially in these days, is that one cannot always believe what one sees in pictures or printouts. Original documents and photographs are always more preferable than photocopies and facsimiles.

One particular photograph stood out from the others. It has made the rounds on the internet. Many claim it to be Photoshopped. After having seen the photocopy, I cannot blame anyone for doubting the veracity of the image. There are many issues with the lighting, shading, color and relationship of the individual components that comprise the picture.

I have recommended that the original image be tracked down. If no such hard copy can be produced, then it is clear that this photograph should not be considered as evidence for the Bishop's claims.

I will continue to scour through the documents tomorrow. Even if one image is Photoshopped, this does not disprove the Bishop's claims. More information and evidence is needed.

This issue is far from over. It will take time, but I am confident that the truth will set us free.

In the meantime, I have a freshly made loaf of bread which needs some attention. It's a sweet cinnamon loaf, with a little sweet tea thrown in for added flavor.

Food is good, but homemade food is better. It's authentic and genuine, which I hope can be said about Bishop Ambrose...

Day Four: Ambrose By Any Other Name...

The most controversial figure of the Kentucky resistance (other than Pablo) arrived late the other night. Bishop Ambrose arrived too late to do anything with the seminarians. Today, he spoke after Mass, which was offered by Father Hewko. He spoke later, after lunch and dinner, and attended the office.

There are many things which may be said of this individual. He easily fits on with the seminarians, and is able to carry a conversation with a measure of wit. He carries the manners and dignity of his office quite deftly.

There have been many concerns and questions as to the validity of his consecration. Many have questioned his veracity.

This uncertainty reflected in my apprehension to greet him as one would normally greet a bishop.

This subject requires further study and reflection. As a man, he seems to be quite amiable, based on the limited experience I have had so far. When Father Pfeiffer returns, I hope I can get a clearer picture, and some evidence for my own personal edification.

That is, if I can make my way out of the kitchen for some time to get these much-needed answers. The food has been a joy to prepare, and the seminarians have seemed to enjoy the change of pace.

Today was chicken Alfredo (rotini, not fettuccine) for lunch and pork ribs and tomato rice soup for dinner. Of course, salad and desserts as well for each meal.

I had to improvise a few meatless dishes. Apparently, Bishop Ambrose does not eat meat. It has to do with the monastic diet, if memory serves. Looks like I'll be cooking some fish tomorrow.

I can smell it already.

Day Three: Monday Madness

It's late at night, here in Boston. All is  quiet, as it should be. In the seminary life, consistency is key.

Back in 2013, life at the seminary was far from consistent. Both priests and seminarians kept odd hours, and things would change from one moment to the next.

It was a microcosm of chaos at times.

The seminary has changed in the last two years. It seems that the schedule is more consistent this year, with few surprises so far.

This seminary, however, can still use more improvement. This and other issues will be covered in greater detail throughout these thirty days.

It is good to have as complete an understanding as possible, in order to determine what is the truth and what is not.

Today's meals were consistent, which is great. The Curry Chicken with Spiced Basmati Rice was particularly enjoyable to make, and people seemed to ejoy eating it. I enjoy making delicious dishes, and having an audience for my culinary exploration. It also helps pass the timey-wimey.

As always, I would appreciate any questions, comments, concerns or recipes you may have regarding the seminary or my blog. I will be posting some of the questions I have received via email, once I have the answers to these questions.

Stay tuned.

Day Two: Culinary Crusade

Food is very important to life, and impacts our ability to function.

The future priests require food to fuel their discernment. This is not limited to physical nourishment. Each seminarian requires a spiritual nutrition, in order to pass on what he has received now to the faithful to whom he will later administer, God willing.

I can provide at least one of these types of nourishment.

Today's menu featured from scratch items as beef and vegetable stew, cheese sandwiches, stir-fry vegetables with ham on a bed of basmati rice, three-layer cake, and rice pudding (as a dessert after Mass).

Day two was spent mainly in the kitchen, preparing meals and planning for a week's worth of food. The less the seminarians have to worry about, the better.

I hope I can continue to provide the with delicious and nutritious meals daily.

Meals are only one part of the agenda for the thirty days in Boston. What else might be on the menu? Stay tuned to find out.

Day One: Travel, Rain and White Castle

The first day has come and gone, with very little to report. Travel days are like that.

After a few errands; a grocery run, and an introduction to White Castle, it was off to bed. The rains, which soaked the day, finally ceased. All is quiet on the Kentucky front.

It was good to see a few familiar faces, and others I did not expect to see in Kentucky (more on that later). Contrary to some reports, the seminary is apparently up and running, with at least six seminarians present. Only one remains from the first year, though; all the others are new to the Kentucky compound.

Day one is done. Tomorrow, the real work begins. It is time for some "Manuel" labor.

M

Some Thoughts on the Seminary

This will be the seventh or eighth time I have gone to the seminary in the last two years. Unlike the other times, this one will be documented thoroughly, and I hope to have your questions and comments, dear readers, as I work my way through this current stay in Boston.

There has been a lot of talk lately on the state of the seminary. Some of these stories are true, others are partly true, and a few are false. Many people have concerns, and many of them are understandable, given the situation.

What I advise in this case is an open mind, and plenty of charity for those involved.

While I am at the seminary, I encourage you, my readers, to ask questions, offer any comments or suggestions, or concerns, and either post them here or email them to me. There are many things that can be cleared up with a little more information, and it is always better to ask than to assume.

As they used to say at RadioShack, "You've got questions? We've got answers!"

Views of the Seminary Grounds from Summer, 2013

Introduction to the Thirty Days

Thirty Days in the Boston Seminary sounded like an interesting idea for a blog. It isn't the only reason I make the long trek to Kentucky, but it seems like a good way to cover what is actually going on within the walls of OLMC.

I leave for the seminary on Saturday morning. No more cartoons for me; it is straight to work, cooking, cleaning, and other odds and ends which crop up all the time.

I hope this blog may inform as much as entertain. I hope it will set the stories straight, and put to bed many of the rumors floating about. My blog will always be open to questions and comments, and they will be answered in the order they are received.

Pictures will also be posted, when time permits.

The Thirty Days will begin this weekend.