Contact: Mike Virgintino, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, 914-941-7636 ext 2219

MARYKNOLL, N.Y., Sept. 18, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Redeeming the Past," Father Michael Lapsley's personal journey from a freedom fighter in South Africa to a healer, tells the story of a horrendous event that led this Anglican priest to a place of healing not just in South Africa but throughout the world.

Published by Orbis Books, the book division of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, "Redeeming the Past" was written with American psychotherapist Stephen Karakashian, who has worked closely with Father Lapsley. The book's foreword is by Nobel Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu.

During 1990, Father Lapsley was active in the struggle against apartheid. One day, he opened a letter bomb that nearly killed him and took both his hands and an eye. His story explains his role in South Africa and his personal rising awareness of the radical demands of the Gospel and his growing identification with the freedom struggle. In post-apartheid South Africa, Father Lapsley saw a whole nation in need of healing. He discovered a new vocation of drawing on his own experience of trauma to promote the healing of others.

"The Church often thinks it knows what the world wants from it -- inspiration, leadership, clear teaching," said Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury. "But surely what the world is most hungry for is the simple knowledge that healing is possible -- not by forgetting or minimizing outrages and sufferings but by sheer obstinate, costly commitment to work with the grain of grace. This is what Father Michael has demonstrated in so many contexts across the globe, and this book is a wonderful testament to what the Gospel can make happen."

Raised in New Zealand, Father Lapsley joined the Society of the Sacred Mission and journeyed to South Africa, where he joined the African National Congress. After recovering from his injuries, Father Lapsley returned to the country to found the Institute for Healing of Memories.

Founded during 1970, Orbis Books publishes works that enlighten the mind, nourish the spirit and challenge the conscience. Orbis seeks to explore the global dimensions of Christian faith and mission, to invite dialogue with diverse cultures and religious traditions, and to serve the cause of reconciliation and peace. Learn more at www.orbisbooks.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/orbisbooks.

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers follow Jesus in serving the poor and others in need in 28 countries that include the U.S. All Catholics are called to mission through baptism and confirmation, and Maryknoll's mission education outreach in parishes and schools throughout the country engages U.S. Catholics in mission through vocations, prayer, donations and as volunteers. Maryknoll missioners share God's love and the Gospel in combating poverty, providing healthcare, building communities and promoting human rights. For more information, visit the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers at maryknollsociety.org and follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/MaryknollNews.