The time of the pilgrimage is the present age in which we are always like pilgrims in battle
Jacopo da Varazze (13th Century)

I am Phil McCarthy. For many years I was a GP in Bristol. In December 2015 I took up a new role as CEO of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN).
In 2008 I walked alone 1,200 miles from Canterbury to Rome following the ancient Via Francigena. I wrote a book about my inner and outer journeys called Rome Alone.
Rome Alone can be purchased as a paperback or e-book through Lulu Publishing. All proceeds will support Mary's Meals, a global movement which sets up school feeding projects for some of the poorest communities in the world.
In 2015 I walked on from Rome to Istanbul along the Via Francigena nel Sud and the Via Egnathia to Thessaloniki. I met up with three friends and spent Orthodox Easter on Mount Athos then I cycled on from Alexandroupolis to Gallipoli and finally to Istanbul. I left Rome on 16th February and arrived in Istanbul in early May.
This time I have supported the International Refugee Trust and their project with the Comboni sisters caring for Syrian refugees.
I am happy to do talks about my walks and about pilgrimage in the 21st Century. Please see my contacts page.
In 2008 I walked alone 1,200 miles from Canterbury to Rome following the ancient Via Francigena. I wrote a book about my inner and outer journeys called Rome Alone.
Rome Alone can be purchased as a paperback or e-book through Lulu Publishing. All proceeds will support Mary's Meals, a global movement which sets up school feeding projects for some of the poorest communities in the world.
In 2015 I walked on from Rome to Istanbul along the Via Francigena nel Sud and the Via Egnathia to Thessaloniki. I met up with three friends and spent Orthodox Easter on Mount Athos then I cycled on from Alexandroupolis to Gallipoli and finally to Istanbul. I left Rome on 16th February and arrived in Istanbul in early May.
This time I have supported the International Refugee Trust and their project with the Comboni sisters caring for Syrian refugees.
I am happy to do talks about my walks and about pilgrimage in the 21st Century. Please see my contacts page.
Thank you for your interest and support.