Pilgrim, Lightworker, Medium, Meditator, Writer, Foodie, Guide & Coach
Paul McCarthy’s life changed direction when he visited Brasil to acquire a crystal light healing apparatus in 2008. He learned about Spiritism, developed mediumship, learned and then taught meditation and unexpectedly became a pilgrim visiting the world’s holy sites. He later guided other pilgrims. He has offered crystal light treatments and meditation in Coogee since 2008. (8 mins read).
Although I had been travelling the world for decades, I never considered myself a pilgrim or thought about undertaking a pilgrimage until I met Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
I was visiting a centre in Brasil dedicated to St Ignatius to acquire a crystal light healing apparatus in 2008. But when I was asked why I was there, I spontaneously said that I wanted to clean up my relationship with God and the Roman Catholic Church. To say I was stunned by the words coming out of my mouth is an understatement, but the divine response to this prayer was even more surprising.
I did acquire the crystal light apparatus and have offered treatments and meditation in Coogee since 2008, but also I developed an irresistible urge to learn about Spiritism, the good spirits and, in particular, the life of St Ignatius.
In Ignatius’ autobiography, which is written in the third person, he refers to himself as “the pilgrim”. This book, combined with my diligent study of Spiritism and the lives of the saints, set me on a new path of learning about pilgrimage, relics and miracles. And this motivated me to be a better human, to advance my soul through mediumship and compassionate service to others.
Then I had a recurring dream about going on pilgrimage to Montserrat and other places connected to St Ignatius. Out of the blue, I received an invitation to do just that, so I acted on this call and joined 5 friends on a pilgrimage to Spain, Italy, Palestine and India in 2011.
Then I got the bug. For several years I dedicated my holidays to visiting sacred sites around the world, including the shrines of many saints. 2015 was the biggest year for me – I pilgrimaged to 63 holy sites in 11 countries.
I also visited world heritage and sacred sites around the world and have worked with the good spirits to release dense energies in Indonesia, Egypt, Peru, Bolivia, Mexico, USA, Canada, Eastern Europe and Japan.
I invited St Ignatius to be my companion on pilgrimage and I found many places dedicated to him. I travelled from Loyola, Spain – where Ignatius was born and had his conversion experience – to the rooms in Rome from which he directed the Society of Jesus and in which he died. And to many other places from his life, including Barcelona, Salamanca, Montserrat, Manresa, Paris, Venice and even Jerusalem.
As I pilgrimaged, my connection with Ignatius and with several other saints became stronger. On these sacred journeys I was gifted with awesome, faith-building experiences at exactly the right times and places.
I have visited some shrines many times. Each shrine, like each saint, is different. And each visit to a shrine develops and deepens one’s connection to the saint who is honoured there. Of course, some experiences are life changing.
I will never forget the instant recognition of the face of St Vincent de Paul (his life-like relic is in a glass coffin above the high altar in a church in Paris) or the opportunity to do the reading during a mass in the chapel where St Ignatius had his conversion experience. I wish everyone could see the incorrupt body of St Francis Xavier in Goa, India, St Juan Diego’s tilma (the cloak made of agave fibre on which the miraculous image of Mary is imprinted) in the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe outside Mexico City and the original image of Divine Mercy in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The shrines dedicated to Mary are very special and miracles are common there. I have been to shrines in Lourdes, Fatima, Medjugorje, Knock, Walsingham, Montserrat, Loretto, Ephesus, Banneux, Turin and numerous other places. Apart from the Basilica of NS Guadalupe, my favourite Marian site is in Poland. The Pauline Monastery of Jasna Gora in Czestochowa is home to the famous icon of the Black Madonna. Unlike other Marian sites, there is little commerce in Jasna Gora and the focus is entirely upon prayer. Without commerce, the energy of this site is intense.
Assisi is a place I am often called to and it has become my second “spiritual” home. For me, it is the perfect combination of holy and historical places, extraordinary natural beauty, art and food. I have pilgrimaged to Assisi in every season and had several life-changing mystical experiences in this little town. I’ve also connected with the Franciscan sites in nearby towns and, of course, with Cascia.
Many people enjoyed hearing of my experiences and told me they were keen to pilgrimage themselves. The next step was to write about travelling with my favourite saints, starting with St Ignatius, St Francis of Assisi and St Francisco Xavier.
I never imagined my life would go in this direction. Learning about medieval saints, pilgrimaging to their shrines and praying for their help has transformed my life. This work, combined with my meditation practice, has strengthened my faith, mediumship and intuition.
I have seen a lot of the world in a relatively short period of time and transmuted karma with several places. I have also transformed past life issues related to pilgrimage, relics and the church. For me, it has been a mission.
As modern mystics, it is incumbent upon us to exercise deep discernment as we travel to the world’s holy places. By remaining open and praying for assistance, we can release the past and deeply transform ourselves.
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