Motherhouse welcomes Father Michael Lapsley of South Africa

The late Loretto sister Mary Peter Bruce brought Michael Lapsley to us. Years ago, Mary Peter, along with Connie Newton, met Michael at a religious meeting in Quito, Ecuador, where they be came fast friends. Mary Peter frequently asked Michael to visit the Motherhouse. At last, it came to be through the efforts of many of us here at Loretto.

A brief account of a pivotal moment in Michael’s life is that in 1990, while working within the African National Congress against apartheid in South Africa, Michael received a letter bomb. It was intended to kill him but instead took both his hands and an eye. Still Michael continued his activist life as an Anglican priest. It would take more than space allows to tell of his work, but you can learn more on the internet. Michael and his traveling companion, Philani Dlamini, also a South African, had been traveling in Canada and the U.S. giving workshops for the Institute of the Healing of Memories and visiting family and friends. We were fortunate to be on their list.

A full schedule here in Kentucky included many parts. Monday evening Will Myers, LLBI executive director, joined Michael, Philani and others to begin the visit. The next day Mary Swain drove them in the golf cart around Mary’s Lake, out to Joseph’s Lake, out to the Nature Preserve Cemetery and other points of interest on the campus. It was especially meaningful to visit Mary Peter’s grave in the Nature Preserve Cemetery where Michael offered a prayer, including, “I am finally here.” The conclusion of the tour was in Jeanne Dueber’s art gallery in Rhodes Hall. After supper the Community gathered to see a short video about Michael’s life and to talk with him.

On Wednesday we were treated to an Anglican Mass in which Michael presided. The church was full, as many Loretto members took part.

Wednesday afternoon brought a visit to Gethsemani Monastery arranged by Mary Swain. Four of the monks plus a retreatant enjoyed refreshments (fudge, of course) and conversation. Several topics were of mutual interest, such as the war in Palestine. We attended vespers with the monks and visited Thomas Merton’s grave.

Thursday morning brought the brief but valuable visit to an end. We at the Motherhouse are pleased that Mary Peter insisted on this visit as we are for her many other matters of faith and generosity. Michael and Philani are now part of our history on this land for which we are grateful.