'It's a selfless decision' - Kilkenny priest on life behind the collar

Clara Parish Priest, Fr Willie Purcell, made an appearance on the small screen in recent days, contributing to RTE documentary, 'The Last Priests in Ireland'.

The programme, presented by comic and Father Ted star, Ardal O'Hanlon, offered an insightful assessment into the role of Catholicism and the priesthood in Ireland, analysing the impact the evolution of Christianity has had on the priesthood and on Irish society at large and what changes may need to be made to make the role of the priest attractive again.

In 2023, the number of priests attending Seminaries across the country continued to dwindle, with just 20 seminarians reported to be studying to become Catholic priests for Ireland's 26 dioceses.

Meanwhile, statistics from 2022 paint an equally concerning picture.

According to findings from the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP), 15% of priests over 75 are still working, over 25% of priests are aged between 60–75, and just 2.5% of serving Catholic priests in Ireland are under 40.

"Anybody who's presenting themselves for priesthood nowadays, it's really counter-cultural and really is a radical decision," Kilkenny priest, Fr Willie Purcell claimed.

He also acknowledged how a move into the priesthood may be considered a 'risk' for a young person.

"There really is an awful lot of humility involved, a lot of self-sacrifice involved in it but most importantly of all a vocation, it's a selfless decision to give yourself to Christ, to give yourself to others," he said.

The local man finished by noting, 'you don’t need to be a saint' when considering joining the priesthood and 'knowing your baggage' is key.