Mags Gargan
Former BBC political correspondent Martina Purdy to join a religious order based in Belfast
Former BBC political correspondent Martina Purdy, has been hailed for her “courageous” decision to leave her career after 25 years in journalism, to join a religious order based in Belfast.
Ms Purdy, a famous face in Northern Ireland for her coverage of the peace process, announced last Friday that she made a “personal decision” to join a religious congregation. “I know many people will not understand this decision. It is a decision that I have not come to lightly, but it is one that I make with love and great joy, she said.
Decision
Fr Eddie McGee, spokesman for the Diocese of Down and Connor, said the diocese wished the former broadcaster “every blessing in this decision in her life”.
“The personal choice to discern a vocation in the priesthood or in religious life takes tremendous courage in our society today – to reflect with faith, to answer that call, and to say: is this the particular way of life God is calling me to?”
Ms Purdy accompanied members of the Adoration Sisters based on the Falls Road to morning Mass at St Peter’s Cathedral on Sunday, and is expected to begin training as a postulant with the six-strong contemplative congregation.
Ms Purdy said she has been “overwhelmed” with the support she has received for her decision, taking to Twitter on Monday to say “thanks for all your generosity”.
