Memories of trauma

From Suffering to
Healing and Empowerment

Healing The Scars of The Past

We are all in need of healing

The Institute for Healing of Memories was founded in 1998 by Fr. Michael Lapsley, SSM, who lost both hands and an eye in a letter bomb attack in Zimbabwe 1990.

The Healing of Memories Workshop was first developed to run in parallel to South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (1996-1997), creating additional platforms for those who wished to share their experiences and be heard compassionately. Over the following two years, the workshops were offered through the length and breadth of the country, and in 1998 the Institute for Healing of Memories was born.

Today, the scars of the past continue to shape the lives, attitudes and choices of South Africans so our original focus remains as important as ever. However, as time has gone on the relevance of the IHOM methodology to a wider range of groups and issues has become apparent and so the focus of our work has broadened.

Our Vision

Striving to be a leading agent of hope, transformation and peace by empowering individuals, communities and nations through healing of memories.

Our Mission

Institute for Healing of Memories is a trust committed to empowering individuals, communities and nations

Our beginnings

Our Story

Our founder, Fr. Michael Lapsley loses both hands and an eye in a letter bomb attack. The same year, Nelson Mandela is released from prison.

1990

Apartheid in South Africa ends, and Nelson Mandela is sworn is as South Africa’s first democratically elected president. The long journey to healing begins.

1994

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is established. We run our first of many first “Healing of Memories Workshop” in parallel with the TRC.

1996-1997

The Institute for Healing of Memories is officially founded and the institute continues to extend healing to where needed, beyond the borders of South Africa.