Rainbows and Butterflies

Volume XXVII, Number 7
March 9, 2023

Greetings, my friends, from northern Texas, just south of the Oklahoma panhandle. Only 1,000 more miles to Notre Dame, Indiana!

Today I will introduce you to our newest Cyrene!

I also have my Old Man Injury Report, an important True Cross Schedule update, Fatima quotes, a profound morning prayer—and something I'm calling Butterflies and Rainbows.

I hope your Lent has been as penitential as mine! Suffering + Jesus = Souls.

Meet the Old Cyrene...

Alas, after nine-hundred miles, Gabe "Gabriel One" Newberry had to return to Ohio. Here he is, on his last day, setting the single-walk Cyrene record of twenty-seven consecutive miles!

Same as the New Cyrene...

Gabe passes the honor of carrying the True Cross with me for the next thousand miles to a twenty-two year old Michigander, Gabriel Glennon ("Gabriel Two").

He's a newly-minted military officer, a mechanical engineer, and the eldest son of longtime benefactors.

Now he's our sturdy "miles eater" through Easter. Here he is in front of a moving train near Amarillo before his first walk:

He's battling a nasty case of food poisoning today, so please pray for his speedy recovery. I'll have more on this fine Catholic man in upcoming messages.

BUD's 2,700 MILE INJURY REPORT

My Left Foot

Lately the arch on my left foot has been acting up—it's like having a pebble in my shoe for five hours a day. I also have a pinched pelvic nerve—somehow it doesn't bother me while I'm walking.

I'm treating the foot in various ways while asking Jesus for healing (especially through the intercession of Saint Victor) so I can complete this mission.

But mostly I am putting the nagging discomfort out of my mind (and offering it up when I can't).

Frankly, I'm beyond grateful my feet have held up so well during a project that would have been daunting for a man twenty years younger.

The torn meniscus in my right knee continues to function inexplicably well. I attribute this almost entirely to heaven answering your prayers.

As long as I'm bragging about my injuries, I have a torn rotator cuff on one arm and a Jujitsu-strained elbow on the other—and I could not possibly care less as long as I can keep walking.

And as long as you keep praying the Daily Prayers, offering reparation with me, and giving sacrificial alms to atone for the sins of our country.

TRUE CROSS SCHEDULE UPDATE

Carry the Cross with Us?

There will be three more opportunities to carry the True Cross with me and the Cyrenes in real life.

The next chance is when we connect this California "beam" at Notre Dame, perhaps during the Triduum but more likely close to Divine Mercy Sunday!

The second chance will be in late April or early May, when we depart from the La Leche Shrine in Saint Augustine, Florida (an hour south of Jacksonville).

And thirdly, and finally, when we complete our living Crucifix of Reparation at Notre Dame in late May.

I Will Announce the Dates Here

Because of unpredictable logistical issues and the precarious physical rigors of this divine project, I will pre-announce the exact days and times for all three opportunities a week or so beforehand in this email Message.

Submit Your Intentions

You might recall from previous messages that I am also physically carrying your personal intentions on a flash drive with every step I take.

To include new intentions before I switch to an updated drive, today is the day. It's completely free, private, and encrypted:

Submit Your Intentions

RAINBOWS AND BUTTERFLIES

First the Butterflies...

From the western border of Arizona all the way to cattle country in Texas, "Gabriel One" Newberry frequently asked me, "Did you see the butterfly?"

"Nope," I always replied.

In fact, from my first day on the California coast in late December to this day, I have not seen a single butterfly.

And yet, despite all sorts of weather, in different deserts and multiple mountain ranges, Gabe saw numerous butterflies, almost every day, including a particular small white butterfly which flew alongside him for extended stretches during his walks.

I am not sure what it means. We both took it as a good sign. The day after Gabe flew back to Ohio, I saw two butterflies of a sort, both flattened onto the pavement of the same parking lot—a golden butterfly earring and a small plastic blue toy butterfly.

...and Rainbows...

I just don't have the time today to explain the spiritual meaning of this massive and spectacular full rainbow we saw near Las Cruces, New Mexico (the photo barely captures it), so I'll just say, for now, that it might have something to do with the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary:

QUOTATIONS

"I always trusted that God would give me the back to bear the burden."
- Patricia Macfarlane (My mother, when I asked her what it was like raising eleven children.)

"Happy—and I'm smiling—walking miles to drink your water! You know I love to love you, and above you there's no other."
- Jethro Tull, Living in the Past

"If men knew what eternity is, they would do anything to change their lives."
- Our Lady of Fatima

"From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone."
- Pope Saint John Paul II the Great

"My Immaculate Heart shall be your refuge and the road that shall lead you to God."
- Our Lady of Fatima (emphasis mine)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
- Jesus

Pray with Tens of Thousands

I warmly invite you take your time, and to pray with me and Operation True Cross participants all over the globe, while opening your heart to the grace to grasp the fullest meaning of the following morning prayer, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit...

Dear Lord,
I do not know what will happen to me today—
I only know that nothing will happen
that was not foreseen by You
and directed to my greater good
from all eternity.

I adore your holy and unfathomable plans,
and submit to them with all my heart
for love of You, the pope, and the
Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Amen.

I hope you can tell I'm in good spirits. I'm trying to love the Cross that carries me. I hope you are, too.

In the beautiful plan of God from all eternity, Our Lady sent you to us, and I am grateful.

Along with Bugs Bunny, I proclaim... that's all folks!

With Saint Faustina,

Bud Macfarlane
Founder

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