In some of the loneliest moments of our lives, we trust in the wisdom of a priest, born of years spent attending scenes of human devastation. So writes Kathy Sheridan in The Irish Times.

But, Ireland has changed dramatically in terms of religion in the past few decades, so what is the role of a parish priest in modern Ireland? And just how important is it?

Joining Ciara to discuss this is Father Willie Purcell, parish priest of Canices' in Kilkenny.