Cardinal Stephen Brislin takes possession of Christ the King Cathedral in Johannesburg

Cardinal Stephen Brislin takes possession of Christ the King Cathedral
The vibrant city of Johannesburg welcomed its new Archbishop, Cardinal Stephen Brislin, as he officially took possession of the Christ the King Cathedral on January 26. The ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of faith, unity and renewal, attended by a host of dignitaries and faithful parishioners who came together to mark this significant moment in the Archdiocese’s history.
A bishop takes canonical possession of a church at the seat of a diocese as a symbolic act signifying their official authority and leadership over a particular diocese.
Prominent figures in attendance included Mrs Nomvula Mokonyane, Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago and Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who joined a diverse congregation of parishioners. Notably, many faithful travelled from Cape Town to bid farewell to Cardinal Brislin, who had served as Archbishop there for 15 years before his appointment to Johannesburg.
Cardinal Brislin’s Homily
The day’s liturgy was steeped in symbolism and tradition. Cardinal Brislin, in his homily, reflected on the profound significance of “taking possession” of the cathedral. He explained that while the cathedral is a physical structure, its true meaning lies in its role as the heart of the diocese, where the bishop serves as a unifying figure.
“The cathedral represents the local Church and what it means to be the Church,” Cardinal Brislin shared. “It is a place to proclaim the Good News, celebrate the sacraments and express charity through acts of mercy and compassion.” He reminded the congregation that the Church’s mission goes beyond rituals and intellectual belief—it is a call to live the Gospel through action, service and love for others.
Cardinal Brislin highlighted the three essential elements of the Church:
Proclaiming the Good News (Kerygma): The Church exists to teach people about Christ and salvation.
Celebrating the sacraments (Liturgia): Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, believers encounter Christ and are strengthened to live as witnesses of faith.
Living charity (Caritas): Acts of mercy and compassion are the most authentic way to proclaim the Gospel, transforming lives and society.
Pilgrims of Hope
Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Brislin emphasised that charity is an indispensable expression of the Church’s very being. He urged the faithful to embrace Pope Francis’ call to awaken “fraternal awareness” and live out the Gospel through social commitment and transformative action.
The installation of Cardinal Brislin as Archbishop coincides with the Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” a time of spiritual renewal and recommitment to living the Gospel. Cardinal Brislin called on the faithful to embrace the challenge of renewal and transformation, even when it feels uncomfortable or threatening.
He quoted Pope Francis: “Christian hope, fulfilled in Jesus and realised in his Kingdom, needs us and our commitment. It needs Christians who do not turn the other way.”
For parishioners who travelled from Cape Town, the day was a bittersweet moment. Cardinal Brislin’s 15 years of service in the Archdiocese of Cape Town left an indelible mark, with many recalling his compassionate leadership, unwavering faith, and tireless advocacy for justice and unity.
Optimism for the Future
In Johannesburg, his message of hope resonated deeply. “To be Church means to live the covenant fully in all its aspects,” he said, calling on the congregation to be pilgrims of hope and witnesses of fraternal and humble charity.
The joyous celebration brought together Catholics from all walks of life to witness a new chapter in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. As Cardinal Brislin begins his tenure, the faithful expressed excitement for the future, inspired by his call to live out the Gospel and build a Church that truly reflects Christ’s mission of love, unity and service.
As the ceremony concluded, there was a shared sense of purpose and commitment among those gathered. Cardinal Brislin’s words reminded everyone of their shared mission: “May we embrace the challenge offered to us and live the Gospel in fraternal and humble charity.”
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