According to figures released in 2024, the number of priests and members of religious orders in Ireland dropped by 70% since 1970. Meanwhile, since 2021, more than 25% of priests in Ireland have died.
Nevertheless, Fr Purcell, who completed his religious studies in the St Kieran’s Seminary, is hopeful of an increase in numbers despite the seemingly bleak outlook, but does believe things may get worse before they get better.
“Things will get more difficult, not just in Kilkenny but nationally and internationally.
“Now we’re talking about priests who have to cover four/five parishes,” he said, adding, “it’s so important people in parishes get involved to assist their priest and believe it or not, they’re not just alleviating the work, they’re encouraging the priest because he knows he has their support.”
But despite present challenges, Fr Purcell doesn’t anticipate radical changes any time soon.
“It (female priests) is not something that is going to happen in my lifetime but it is a discussion that has been going on for centuries,” the Clara parish priest said.
“I think it may happen eventually because in the early church there was women deacons,” he remarked, adding, “it’s a historical question that will not be resolved in the present time but may be resolved in the future.”
Fr Purcell also suggested allowing married priests into the vocation could be a possibility in the generations to come, but it will be a complex and timely process.
“It’s a total commitment, a life commitment solely to the people you’re called to serve and the people of God become your family. I think married priests will be way down the line equally as much as women priests.”
But despite the challenges the priesthood faces, Fr Purcell is adamant their role is still important in the community.
"I think we're living in a very different world, everything can change in a matter of a second. You can go online, swipe right or swipe left and everything can change or you can switch on or off very easily. When I joined the Priesthood it was a lifetime commitment
"It's a lifetime commitment that you make but things you give up there are other benefits that come to place and those benefits are varied. The Priest is still a key person in every community, if somebody gets sick the Priest is there, if somebody is in trouble the Priest is called, if there's a death the Priest is called, so the Priest is still a key person in the community and therefore still has an important role."