Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017, post-publication supplement:
Purcell, Desmond

Missionary, spiritual director, pastor; born Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria 21 October 1932; died Camberwell, Melbourne, 24 December 2022, aged 90.

Desmond Purcell was educated by the Christian Brothers, Victoria Parade, Melbourne, 1946-49, and with the encouragement of the brothers, he entered the Jesuit noviciate at Loyola College, Watsonia, 1 February 1950. This was followed by one year of B.A. studies at The University of Melbourne, and philosophy studies at Loyola, 1952-1955.

Completing regency at St Patrick's College, East Melbourne, 1956-58, where he taught junior mathematics and science, as well as being sports master and prefect of discipline, he completed his Arts degree at Campion College, 1959-60. Theology studies followed at Canisius College, Pymble, 1961-1964. Ordination was at St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, 2 January 1964.

He was then sent to India, May 1965, and completed tertianship at St Stanislaus, Sitagarha, 1965-66.

His next appointment was assistant to the regional superior in Hazaribag, and he became heavily involved in famine relief in Bihar. The Jesuits decided that the distribution of food from American Catholic Relief, instead of being given away freely, would be used as 'food for work'. So, together with food, initiatives developed like building wells, cultivating fields so that they catch water, building embankments on the fields that would slow the water down and be absorbed into the ground rather than run off. At the end of that monsoon period almost each village had its own well, new housing for poorer people, repair to roads, and people grew in a sense that they were responsible for their own welfare.

Purcell was also fondly remembered in the province for bringing some sisters of the Franciscan Clarists, and the Congregation of Mother Carmel, to work in the hospitals of the region, despite initial reluctance from the local Jesuit superiors. This was so successful that at present the sisters run two hospitals, while twenty teach in eight educational institutions. They also run three health centres attached to Jesuit parishes, four girls' hostels attached to our schools, and one special school for drop out girls. With so many new vocations, these sisters have made a significant contribution to the Hazaribag province.

After Hindi studies at Allahabad, 1967-68, Purcell taught at St Xavier's, Hazaribag, as well as being Third Division Prefect until 1969. The following years, 1969-73, Purcell taught at St Joseph's, Mahuadanr, and continued with Hindi studies. During 1973, he was working with Ken McNamara on building projects, especially raising a hospital.

Following his experience of being with the people during and after the famine, Purcell was aware of the psychological effect that it had on people, and so he opted for studies for a Master of Arts in guidance and counselling at the Ateneo de Manila, Philippines, September 1973-1974. Purcell found this an enriching experience, especially with the help of one lecturer who proposed the importance of 'The Helping Relationship', an engagement with others in a mutual relationship. Another important influence was Father Roger Champoux, whose main work was interviewing prospective candidates for religious life. Purcell did his M.A. thesis on this process. Upon returning to Australia later, the provincial used Purcell in assessing candidates. This education in spirituality gave Purcell the confidence to develop this work later in Australia, which was much needed among religious people at the time.

After this experience, Purcell returned to the Teachers Training Institute, Sitagarha, 1975, and was involved with retreat giving.

Purcell then returned to Australia in 1976, following a heart attack, believed to be occasioned from misunderstandings and challenges during the famine.

He was briefly chaplain at March Convent, Rosanna, Victoria, and St Thomas More College, Perth, before another brief stay at Campion College, as assistant director at the retreat house, finally settling at Southwell House, Perth, 1977-81 as counsellor to religious in the archdiocese. This was a very affirming period of Purcell's life as many religious expressed gratitude for his assistance in working through community and personal challenges. His experience at the Ateneo helped him greatly in this work.

Purcell was a free man, not afraid to speak and do what he perceived as right and just. Others did not always agree with him, and so there were sometimes tension in relationships. Father Peter Kenny at St Thomas More College, Perth, was very supportive of Purcell and his friend Corrie Mercovich, affirming them in sustaining self-esteem.

Purcell returned to Melbourne and was involved with retreat work and spiritual formation for Catholic teachers, 1982-85, followed by an appointment as province secretary, editor of the province catalogue and fortnightly report, 1986-90.

Subsequently, 1992-93, he was appointed superior and parish priest at St Ignatius'. Toowong, Queensland, returning briefly in 1994 to Canisius College, Pymble, as retreat director.

From June 1994-2005, Purcell was appointed to Xavier House, Canberra, and was involved with parish supplies, spirituality ministry and chaplain to the CLC of the sick. His parish supplies in the Canberra archdiocese included Boorowa, Curtin, Bega, Cooma, West Wyalong, Cootamundra, and Tumut. His life as a missionary in India prepared him for this ministry on the run. When at home he was a community builder, welcoming visitors and caring for their needs. One of these guests experienced him as a 'calm, peaceful, kind and gentle person who had a great sense of humour'. He had a life-long love of roses and cultivated colourful beds of roses around the residence.

He returned to Canisius College, Pymble, and the spirituality ministry, 2006-2012, being director of the CIS, 2010-2011. He was then appointed minister at Xavier House, 2013-2014, as well as being director of spiritual exercises.

With advancing age, Purcell retired to Campion House, Kew, still involved with directing retreats and spiritual direction, 2015-2019. But, with declining health, especially suffering with dementia, Purcell moved to Nazareth House, Camberwell, from 20 March 2020, where he was well cared for. He accepted his failing health with joyful acceptance. The nursing staff all enjoyed his happy, genial company.

In his funeral homily, Father Frank Brennan spoke with admiration for Purcell being a master of discernment. He experienced joy as a sign of God's love, and greatly admired Pope Francis, and especially his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, the joy of the Gospel. Finally, Brennan said that faith, hope, and love summed up Purcell's life and priestly service.

Sister Joan Smith, RSM, Purcell's long-time friend and spiritual guide, praised him for being 'an encourager, honest responder and a compassionate friend, and listener, and especially a person I could trust'. Keeping contact with him during his illness, she remembered his great interest in the Australian Plenary Council, especially hearing of importance placed on the laity in Church governance, and the acceptance of the equality of men and women. Purcell had always affirmed both these issues in his ministry.

Purcell had a great love for family and gift for friendship. He was very loyal to them, and they in turn were a consolation to him in his last illness.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)