THE CROSS OF BARRE

THE CROSS OF BARRE 

On August 16, talking to my aunt Josephine, she mentioned to me about “The Cross” in Barre, Massachusetts. She sent me a flyer about it, and on September 21, 1996 I went to her home in Barre to bring my mother back, who was visiting with her. I tell you now about this day, and “The Cross.” 

John Harty, a long time resident of Barre, at 17 years old had a hunting accident when his gun went off, and took part of his left ear, causing deafness on that side. In 1978, John attended a Father DiOrio service, and was healed of his deafness. 

On March 16, 1989, John Harty 67, was in bed saying the “Our Father,” when he heard a loud clear voice speak to him: “Finish the pond; clear the land and level the field. Make a cross 200 feet long, 25 feet wide, in the middle of the field. Plant rye around the cross. Then put the 10 commandments on the cross. Put my commandment on the cross: Love thy neighbor as thyself. Noreen is the chosen one to do the art work. People from miles around will come to see a work of art.” 

So it is on this day of September 21, my mother, Josephine, and I went to the countryside of Barre, to “The Cross.” When we arrived, there was a wedding which had just concluded on The Cross. It is here my shoes walked upon this flat “Cross,” 200 feet long, 25 feet wide. The cross piece is 150 feet long. It is made of 5-inch thick asphalt that sits on a bed of gravel 5 to 6 feet deep. It has 389 letters, each letter 3 feet high and 2 feet wide. I spoke to John Harty only for a moment; he was in his car leaving for a wedding reception. (The wedding was a relative of John's.) 

I spoke to Noreen, John's daughter, for a long time. She told me about the building of The Cross and how she painted all the letters. I asked her about their house number 33. I said: “33 is when Jesus died. Did you always have this address?” She told me, two years ago the town came to assign house numbers from the old RFD, and realigned the road from Phillipston Road to Harty Road, and assigned them number 33. I pressed further and said, “How did they come up with the number 33?” She told me they measured it by “rods,” and it came out to 33. Just another coincidence? 

Noreen then told me about the trees planted in the field below the cross, that spell out God’s Wisdom. When John had this idea, he told the man clearing the field he would find two large flat rocks, which he needed to inscribe words on them. The man cleared the field and found no flat rocks, but ended up with one huge boulder. Not knowing how deep in the ground it was, or how to move it, the man tapped the blade of the bulldozer gently against the boulder to move it. It split in two as if cut by a “sword.” There they were: two large flat rocks, for John to inscribe. 

There are some red “roses” near The Cross and I told her the “roses” were very important. It is here she pointed out to me, an outline in the shape of a heart, around the perimeter of The Cross. She said, “Next spring this outline is to be all red “roses” that grow 3 feet high, planted 3 feet apart. I ordered them by name, and they are called the “miraculous rose.” She added, “I have a special feeling for our Blessed Mother.” Once again, the “rose” continues to flow a message, in my life. Jesus and Mary, my Blessed Mother, I had asked if this was really from you, to send another “rose” into my life: You have answered, twofold. 

It should be noted here, in the center of The Cross is an outline of a heart; within its border are the words: “JESUS SAID, LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF.” These words contain 33 letters. Just a coincidence? The two commandments on the left side, THOU SHALT NOT MAKE UNTO THEE ANY GRAVEN IMAGE and THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD IN VAIN have 76 letters, the two commandments on the right side, REMEMBER TO KEEP HOLY THE SABBATH DAY and HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER, have 57 letters: totalling 133. Just a coincidence? These four commandments have a total of 33 words. Just a coincidence? These are the Hands of Jesus, reaching outward, embracing all who come here: an outward sign of His presence. 

Let this place be of peace, reflection and reverence, blessed with the Lord's Divine Mercy. Let this place be a mender of the heart, and meditator to the soul. Let this place be of the Holy Spirit, to inspire spiritual wisdom. Let this place be of healing and miracles for those who come here. Let this place, be a presence of Mary, Our Blessed Mother; that her Immaculate Heart of mercy be summoned here, by the “Miraculous Roses,” for miraculous intercession, of petition and grace. 

The outpouring of the ROSE and the THREEs in my life, flow with grace upon my path, my shoes, my footsteps, my heart, my soul, my salvation. My Blessed Mother Mary, I love you. Jesus, I love You, my Lord and Savior. Amen! 

Robert J. Varrick
September 24, 1996 

FOOTNOTES 

I have re-included here my writing “Upon This Cross” since it was originally written as a follow-up to “The Cross of Barre.” 

I believe, in faith, that The Cross in Barre, Massachusetts will become a very special place of reflection, of miraculous proportions. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Thank you, My Blessed Mother Mary. We await your presence! 

UPON THIS CROSS

There they are! The letters of The Cross, 389 in all. This cross of words, of the Father: the commandments, 10 in all. One more added: Love thy neighbor as thyself. In this field, this flat cross made of asphalt, 200 feet long, 25 feet wide, sits upon this soil, in the countryside of Barre, Massachusetts. There they sit, these white letters that speak: these hallowed words, 93 in all. Its frame stretches outward, embracing all, who walk upon its surface. Its cross piece is 150 feet long, with letters 3 feet high, 2 feet wide. 

Walk upon it, with reverence, for the soles of your shoes seep in the letters, and words, to your spiritual soul. Your eyes scan the contents: the words spelling out, the Divine Laws of the Father. They question the inventory of thyself. They beckon to your heart in wonderment, these letters and words, so big, so powerful. For this is a bridge, from heaven, to earth. 

For this spoken voice that fell from the heavens, onto this place, to John Harty, to build this Cross, for Noreen: the chosen one, to etch the commandments upon its surface. There is, no other place, like this. 

This Cross, withstands the elements, of sun and rain, snow and cold; its rapture of words, speak day and night, under the moon and stars. It awaits your shoes, to journey, to inspire, to a calling of spiritual awareness. It awakens the senses; and welcomes the lost, to be found; the sinner, to repent; the unbeliever, to believe; the spiritual one, for vision. For here, it is all possible: The Cross of our Lord, of Truth, of Divine Mercy, Love and Salvation. 

For all who come here, to this place, embrace the Spirit that sent these powerful words. Walk through the field among the trees of “GOD'S WISDOM.” Fill your mind, your heart, and soul. Be in no hurry to leave; grasp all you can; seek comfort, and renew thyself. Spend time at the pond, its water reflecting mirror images, from earth, to sky, to your soul. Call onto the Lord, in reverence. Listen to the stillness, the birds, nature; capture all within thyself. For these are gifted moments with your God. 

Walk within the heart of “Miraculous Roses,” surrounding the Cross. Seek out this heavenly garden of beauty, and radiance of red roses. Within this heart is unique, for the red rose, is, heaven’s flower. It is the flower of Our Blessed Mother, who calls, to all Her children. She waits for your heart to open, like a rose bud, to embrace Her Son. 

Walk softly within this heart-shaped perimeter, for here sits The Cross, of letters, and words: the commandments. Be still. Open all, that is within you, for meditation, and reflection. Let your heart do your speaking, taking comfort in your surroundings. For your conversion of heart, is the bridge to heaven. 

Leave not this place, with an angry heart. Make peace, with all; leave no grudges. Leave nothing unsettled; resolve all your conflicts. Give thanks to the Lord for all you have, for so many have less, and some nothing at all. 

Leave not this place, with an empty heart. Pray here, with your God. Be friends. Take home something with you: peace, serenity, love, compassion, the presence of your God. Be on guard for miracles, and graces; lift up, your every petition; seek out the highest of angels; for this Cross of letters is a special bridge, to Heaven. All, is possible upon this Cross. All, is possible with the Lord. All, is possible in faith. Go, in peace. Peace, be with you. 

Robert J. Varrick

 rjvarrick@gmail.com