Update from a Friendly Pilgrim

Attentive readers may recall a story from June, 2014, in which Mark Byerly, a pilgrim who was traveling from Delaware to California — and back — visited Thomas Aquinas College. A former restaurant manager, Mr. Byerly left his job to pursue a journey of prayer, penance, and fasting, during which he traveled to some 150 “shrines,” including Catholic colleges that “represent the kind of renaissance that Catholic education needs.”

Mr. Byerly recently contacted the College’s admissions director, Jon Daly, with an update on his doings:

“I completed the pilgrimage in October of 2014. After a brief time visiting family and friends back home in Delaware, I moved to the desert of Arizona to live as a Catholic hermit, to dedicate myself completely to the life of prayer and penance for the Church, now in such dire need. I live in the Diocese of Phoenix, about 45 miles north of the city, outside a poor, small town called Black Canyon City. I live in a tent. Nearby there lives a diocesan priest. I can meet with him daily for Holy Hour and Holy Mass. I have as of yet no official connection or recognition by the Bishop, though we have met and he knows of my presence and purpose. For my practical needs I live on alms and donations; with this I usually have enough. God provides simply for a simple life.”

He also wrote about his memories from his time on campus:

“I have frequently remembered you since the time I passed through that blessed Thomas Aquinas College nearly two years ago while on pilgrimage. It doesn’t seem to me that it can be so long ago, but apparently it is! Please greet for me all the good souls who were so helpful and kind during my stay.”

Below is a photo of Mr. Byerly in his new home:

May God bless and protect him!