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Journalist who quit to become nun takes first vows

A former regional journalist who quit her career to become a nun has officially been incorporated into the religious order she joined.

Martina Purdy spent six years at the Belfast Telegraph as business editor and then political correspondent, and also worked as a reporter on the Irish News.

But, after moving to the BBC, she left journalism entirely in 2014 to join religious institute the Adoration Sisters.

In a special ceremony held in Belfast’s St Peter’s Cathedral on Saturday, Sister Martina reached the next formal stage in her journey by making her first profession of vows.

Sr Martina is greeted outside the cathedral by BBC Northern Ireland political correspondent Mark Devenport

Sr Martina is greeted outside the cathedral by BBC Northern Ireland political correspondent Mark Devenport

The temporary vows pledge poverty, chastity, and obedience, and are renewed annually.

In six years’ time she will make her final perpetual vows.

Sr Martina told the News she was “living the dream”.

She said: “When I entered the convent three years ago it was a such a beautiful day and I thought it was never going to get any better than this, but I have to say it gets better. I’m just totally blown away.”