PURCELL HOUSE

Purcell house is named after Monsignor John Purcell and our patron saint is Saint Francis of Assisi.

John Purcell was born in Ireland in 1902 and came to Australia in 1929. In 1956 he was made the parish priest of Nowra and remained in this position until his death in June 1994 At the time of his death he held the honour of being the longest serving priest in the Wollongong Diocese. Monsignor Purcell is remembered as a great builder in the parish of Nowra. He saw Churches built at Bomaderry, Culburra, and Vincentia alone with extensions to St Michael’s and a new parish hall. His most favoured projects were five extensions at St Michael’s Primary School and the establishment of St John’s. These projects were always thoroughly prepared, and funded largely by Parish money.

Saint Francis, patron saint of this house, is portrayed as a man called for simplicity of life, poverty, and humility before God. Francis sought to follow fully and literally the way of life demonstrated by Christ in the Gospels.

In his life and preaching, Francis emphasized simplicity and poverty, relying on God's providence rather than worldly goods. These teachings remind members of Purcell House to uphold the core values of Reverent Spirituality, listening to the Wisdom that comes from God’s Word, and Stewardship of the world.