Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Day Twelve: Love What You Do

I started this blog for a variety of reasons. The situation in Boston has not been recorded in such a fashion before, with daily activities listed and recorded for interested parties to observe. I also hoped to get answers about Bishop Ambrose, and also help cast some light on the real events involving Pablo.

So far, I have not been able to accomplish any of these tasks. The kitchen has taken a great deal of time to manage.

It is practically a double time position, with duties starting at 7am and ending around 1130 nightly, with some breaks in between. I am getting a handle, and I expect to free up some time to participate in classes and document the kinds of studies the seminarians have for this year. I would like to better understand the methodology and consistency of the seminary schedule.
So far, I have sat in on only two lectures. One was about the Ambrose situation, last night, and the other covered semimary etiquette and protocol for the year, to help refresh in the minds of the seminarians just what is expected of each.

I have heard the occasional Latin and history course during my time in the kitchen.

From what little I have seen, the schedule is light years ahead of what I experienced in the first year, and certainly more consistent than in my time as a seminarian. The morale is high, and the seminarians seem to get along well with one another.

Caleb, the head seminarian, has enacted a strict regimen for the other seminarians. This has helped keep tensions low, and has boosted a good atmosphere in Boston.
I hope these seminarians may continue to have a positive and charitable attitude, no matter what happens in the coming months.

As I sit here, the last embers burn from the fire pit behind my temporary home, a little building commonly known as the schoolhouse. The fire is lit nightly by a man who lives and works on the premises. The schoolhouse is one of a few ongoing projects, designed to make the seminary more efficient and welcoming to all who may visit.

My first visit to the seminary was back in July, 2013. The property has improved much since then, thanks to the hard work and efforts of many kind souls.

And Pablo, too...

3 comments:

  1. How many people are you cooking for daily? How do you think mothers with large families (10-15 kids, husband, and maybe elderly relatives too) did it, and with time to take care of all the other family duties as well- and without modern gadgets. Slacker. ;)

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  2. From Dignity and Duties of a Priest
    By St Alphonsus de Ligouri
    Pgs 8 & 9

    St Alphonsus quotes the rules of conduct composed by a Mgr.Gaume for seminarians.

    1. The cleric should frequent the society of holy priests to be edified by their example.
    2. He should spend at least one hour daily in mental prayer, that he may live in fervor and recollection.
    3. He should visit the Blessed Sacrament frequently, especially during the time of exposition.
    4. He should read the lives of holy priests, that he may imitate their virtues.
    5. He must cultivate a special devotion to the Holy Virgin, the Mother and Queen of the clergy, and consecrate himself particularly to her service.
    6. For the honor of his ecclesiastical state he must be most careful of his reputation.
    7. He should flee from worldly conversation, and not be too familiar with the laity, especially women.
    8. Seeing God in his superiors he must obey them, because such is the divine will.
    9. He should be modest, but without affectation, severity, or fastidiousness; and he should always wear his cassock and tonsure.
    10. He should be quiet and gentle at home, exemplary in class, and edifying in church, especially during the public offices.
    11. He should confess every eight days and communicate even oftener.
    12. He should live free from sin and practice every virtue.

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  3. I would like to politely suggest that you change the name from "30 days in the seminary" to "30 days working in a kitchen all day".

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