Last September 29th, in the Pontifical University of Comillas in Madrid, a Spanish translation of the pastoral letter of Bishop Donal Lamont, O.Carm. (1911-2003) called Purchased People was launched. Bishop Lamont wrote the letter in 1959 and it was one of the first official documents of the Catholic Church in Africa against racial discrimination.

The book, which includes two studies on the pastoral letter, its role in the Second Vatican Council and the importance of Bishop Lamont, as well as a translation of his biographical Speech from the Dock, is part of a collection titled “Textos para un Milenio”, (Texts for a Millenium) sponsored by the joint committee of the Carmelite Iberian Region.

The Prior General, Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm attended the book launch, along with  Martin Kilmurray, O.Carm. Prior Provincial of the Irish Province, Michael Troy, O.Carm. Prior of Terenure College, and a number of professors from the University of Commillas who helped in the work of publication. This is the centenary of the birth of Bishop Lamont. This book was offered as a tribute to this important and significant Carmelite of the 20th century.