| BBC correspondent, Martina Purdy |
Belfast – Northern Ireland (Tuesday, 10/21/2014, Gaudium Press) In recent days, many in the media world were surprised by an amazing news: after more than 25 years spent in a professional career, Martina Purdy, BBC’s political correspondent, decided to become a Carmelite nun.
Considered by the mainstream media as one of the most famous personalities of Northern Irish journalism, Martina caused a huge surprise by revealing her decision. She had announced publically this mayor change in her life on October 10, when she wrote on her official Twitter account the following message: “… Hi, I’m leaving the BBC. Here’s my statement. God bless. Martina”.
Why would a young woman want to leave a well-paid coveted job to become a bride of Christ? Well, for a start she’s not the only one. Two young women are following suit and joining the Adoration Convent in west Belfast a contemplative community. And the nearby Sisters of the Cross and Passion Order are currently considering a mother of two grownup children as a novice.
| BBC correspondent, Martina Purdy |
Martina said that she made this choice “with great love and joy” and asked her friends to pray for her, as she is taking “this path with humility, faith and confidence.”
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, she moved as a child to Toronto, Canada, where she grew up, and later graduated in International Relations from the local university. Soon after, she got another degree at Ryerson University School of Journalism.
In the field of communication, Martina Purdy became involved with matters of foreign policy, exercising her journalistic skills during the presentation of daily and weekly TV programs, radio and television documentaries.
Kathleen Carragher, BBC Northern Ireland Editor Radio News, said Martina was “one of the most talented and hardworking correspondents” she had the opportunity to work with. “We will miss her wit and wisdom. I wish her happiness and satisfaction in her new life,” Kathleen said.
Before leaving, the ex-BBC journalist thanked her former colleagues for their support over the years and for their understanding with this new step in her life: “I want to wish all my colleagues all the very best both here and at Stormont, especially my friends in the political unit. I shall miss them very much. I also want to wish the politicians well in their future endeavours.”
| Martina Purdy with her Carmelites sisters |
Recently Martina was photographed on her way to St. Peter’s Cathedral, in Belfast, walking along with some of her religious sisters. (LMI)
With information from Aleteia
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