Cardinal Brislin shares a message of hope at the fourth annual meeting of families

by Kati Dijane · June 25, 2025

Fourth annual meeting of families (AMOF) at John Bosco Youth Centre

By Kati Dijane, Pictures: Sheldon Reddiar, Sacred Photos – On the Feast Day of St Aloysius Gonzaga, a saint known for his youthful zeal and unwavering faith, Cardinal Stephen Brislin delivered a moving homily and plenary message at the fourth annual meeting of families (AMOF) at John Bosco Youth Centre in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg.

Fittingly held during Youth Month in South Africa, the celebration brought together families and young people on June 21. The event, spearheaded by the Youth Department in collaboration with the Department of Evangelisation and the Family Desk, began with a joyful Mass filled with music, dancing and youthful energy that was led by the West Rand Deanery. For Cardinal Brislin, who attended AMOF for the first time, the moment was deeply personal and humbling.

“As I said at the beginning of Mass, it’s a tremendous privilege and pleasure for me to be with you,” he said.

A legacy of mission and sacrifice

In his homily, Cardinal Brislin reflected on his own journey into priesthood, sharing stories of his formation in South Africa and later in London, where he studied theology at the Missionary Institute. There, he was surrounded by the memory of countless priests and missionaries who, despite knowing the risks, gave their lives to spread the Gospel in foreign lands.

“These men, some only 24 or 25 years old, went out knowing they might not return. Many died of diseases their bodies couldn’t resist, yet they still went,” he said. “What incredible courage. What hope in God. They believed so deeply in the salvation Jesus offers.”

He reminded the youth and families present that the missionary spirit is not confined to the past. It is a call for all to live with purpose, rooted in love, courage and unwavering trust in God’s plan—even in the face of suffering.

Learning from the life of St Aloysius Gonzaga

Cardinal Brislin connected the day’s liturgy and the example of St Aloysius Gonzaga—a young Jesuit who died at age 23 after contracting a plague while serving the sick—with today’s call to discipleship.

“He could have had everything—wealth, power, even nobility. But he chose to be a priest. He chose to serve,” said the Cardinal. “Even when forbidden to care for the sick, he begged to return to them. That is the depth of love and conviction we are called to.”

Brislin highlighted how Aloysius’s story mirrors the questions we all must ask: Where is our treasure? What do we long for in life? Is it wealth or recognition, or is it the will of God? “Ultimately, what we long for will shape the choices we make,” he said. “Our choices determine whether we will bring beauty, compassion, and hope into the world — or not.”

Strength in weakness

Drawing from the first reading from the Second Letter of St Paul to the Corinthians 12:1-1, the Cardinal underscored St Paul’s teaching that true strength is found in recognising our weaknesses, because that is where God’s grace can work most powerfully.

“To boast in weakness might sound strange,” he explained, “but Paul was pointing to something profound—that God can and does work through our flaws and failures. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about opening our hearts.”

He encouraged the faithful to embrace their humanity without despair and to never believe they are unworthy of God’s love. “We cannot save ourselves,” he said. “We need grace—grace to do good, to love deeply, to persevere through pain.”

The gift and challenge of family

In one of the most poignant parts of his address, Cardinal Brislin reflected on the role of family—both biological and spiritual—in forming faith and character. He spoke about how the resistance Aloysius faced from his father helped shape his resolve. “Sometimes the very struggles within our families help form our strength,” he said. “They challenge us to grow.”

He emphasised that family is not only where love begins, but where faith is nurtured. “The family is meant to be the place of hope, grounded in Jesus Christ.”

Beyond the nuclear family, the Cardinal called on all to remember the Church itself as a family—a place where believers journey together, support one another and lift each other up in times of weakness. “We walk together, not in judgment, but in compassion. When one falls, others must carry them. When one is strong, they must help the weak. That is the family of God.”

A balcony moment

Following the plenary session, Cardinal Brislin joined the youth in a symbolic balcony session, where he offered a personal word of encouragement to young people discerning their future. He told them to have courage and not to be afraid to follow God’s calling for their lives, no matter how daunting it may seem. “Open your hearts,” he urged. “Do not be afraid to dream God’s dream for your life.”

A message of hope and unity

The Cardinal reminded everyone that the Church’s mission is not about individual perfection but about communal growth, grounded in God’s love. The theme of hope and unity was embraced throughout the day. It was a joyful festival for families, where religious vocations were promoted and food was enjoyed. Some of the highlights of the day also included a talent show, children playing on the jumping castle and the youth playing sports games.