Northern Ireland

Former BBC correspondent Martina Purdy returns to journalism

Former Adoration Sisters turned pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly. Picture by by Hugh Russell
Former BBC NI political correspondent Martina Purdy (right) pictured with Elaine Kelly. PICTURE Hugh Russell
By Suzanne McGonagle

A former BBC NI political correspondent who quit her high-profile job to become a nun has returned to journalism.

Almost a decade after leaving the BBC to join the Sisters of the Adoration in west Belfast, Martina Purdy is back to her reporting roots and working in Co Down.

Ms Purdy, who previously had a successful 20-year career in media, is understood to be back working part-time in journalism.

She is listed as a journalist in the Down Recorder newspaper.

However, it is understood that her main role remains parish-based and pilgrim guiding.

When contacted by The Irish News on Thursday, Mr Purdy said she did not want to comment.

Martina Purdy, who had been in formation to become a nun with the Adoration Sisters, was forced to leave the convent last year. Picture by Cliff Donaldson
Martina Purdy had joined the Sisters of the Adoration, but was forced to leave the convent in 2019 due to the congregation being 'too small'. PICTURE Cliff Donaldson

Ms Purdy made headlines in 2014 when she stepped down as BBC NI political correspondent and made a drastic career change to join the Sisters of the Adoration on the Falls Road.

But her journey towards becoming a nun ended in September 2019 when along with former lawyer Elaine Kelly, they were told they would not be allowed to take their final vows and become “fully-professed” nuns.

Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly are set to lead pilgrims on a Camino-style walk in Co Down. Picture by Hugh Russell
Elaine Kelly and Martina Purdy. PICTURE Hugh Russell

She said at the time that it was not their choice to leave, but the congregation was “too small” to meet the standards of the Catholic Church and all “temporary-professed” nuns could not have their vows renewed.

She said it was “deeply painful for all concerned”, but that she would continue as a lay Catholic and enter a “period of discernment”.

Ms Purdy, who also previously worked for The Irish News, later took up a marketing post with the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick and began a role as a pilgrim guide.

Alongside Ms Kelly, she began hosting walks in Co Down based around the legacy of St Patrick.

Those who joined the pilgrim walks have included former Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte, Irish language activist Linda Ervine and Give My Head Peace’s Tim McGarry.

Irish language activist Linda Ervine yesterday launched a new St Patrick pilgrim walk in Downpatrick. She is pictured with pilgrim guides Martina Purdy left and Elaine Kelly. Picture: Hugh Russell
Irish language activist Linda Ervine, centre, with pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly. PICTURE Hugh Russell

In December 2021, Ms Purdy confirmed she was returning to religious life and had joined the Poor Clare’s monastery at Faughart in Co Louth.

She described the move at the time as “a miracle”.

“When I left the convent, there were times I felt the scandal of it. I was rather embarrassed and, like Mary to the Angel Gabriel, I kept asking, ‘How can this be?,” she told The Belfast Telegraph.

“It didn’t make sense because I knew I was called and I knew God is faithful to His promises, then out of the clear blue sky, this miracle. Elaine and I received an amazing offer, a chance to return to religious life.

“We grabbed the chance and, two weeks ago, we were accepted into the Poor Clares in Co Louth.

“We will be Sisters again, back from the dead, full of new life, living the dream.”

Ms Purdy has recently been involved in helping in the parish of St Michael the Archangel on the outskirts of west Belfast where a five-day Light The Fire event was held in October.

Ms Purdy was among the speakers at the event, which also included Eurovision singer Dana Rosemary Scallon and former Manchester United footballer turned priest, Fr Philip Mulryne.