Cardinal Stephen Brislin Honours Fallen Priests in Solemn Mass
By Kati Dijane – On Tuesday, 25 November 2025, the Archdiocese of Johannesburg gathered in solemn prayer for the priests who once faithfully served its people and have since passed into eternal life. In a moving Eucharistic celebration led by Cardinal Stephen Brislin, the clergy, religious sisters and lay people gathered at the Cathedral of Christ the King to honour the lives, ministry and sacrifice of its departed priests.
The Mass was especially significant as November is traditionally a time in the Catholic calendar dedicated to remembering the faithful departed.
“Our presence here today is very important,” Cardinal Brislin said during his homily. “We believe in the communion of saints. We believe in life after death. We know that there is judgement, and so it is essential that we pray for our departed.”
A sacred vocation
The cardinal reflected deeply on the unique yet challenging nature of the priesthood. Describing it as both a privilege and a responsibility, he reminded those gathered that a priest’s life is one of discipleship, service and sacrifice.
“Priesthood is a very special vocation. It is a unique way of life,” he said, adding that priests are entrusted with the profound duties of celebrating the sacraments, proclaiming the Word of God and shepherding God’s people.
Yet, he was careful to note that priests do not walk apart from the people; rather, they walk with them.
“As Saint Augustine pointed out so clearly,” Cardinal Brislin explained, “together with the people, we are part of the flock of Christ. As priests, we are also shepherds, entrusted with the care of souls.”
He spoke about the often unseen bond between priests themselves and the people they serve, a bond that transcends life and death and is anchored in Christ.
Judged by mercy
Central to the cardinal’s message was the Gospel’s call to mercy. He emphasised that all believers will be judged by how they have shown compassion to others.
“When I was hungry, you gave me to eat. When I was thirsty, you gave me to drink,” he quoted. “It is on these criteria that we will all be judged.”
He reminded the church that no one, not even a priest, is saved by their own merit. Salvation, he said, is a gift of God’s mercy.
“In justice we are condemned, but it is through mercy that we are saved,” he said. “We pray today that God will forgive the failings, the shortcomings, the sinfulness of our departed brothers, and welcome them into His Kingdom saying, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
At the same time, he also acknowledged that priests, like all human beings, are imperfect and that both clergy and lay people can sometimes be harsh in their judgment of one another.
“The priesthood consists of very diverse people,” he noted. “There are many different gifts, personalities, abilities and perspectives. What unites us is our faith and our desire to serve God and His people.”
Diversity as a reflection of Christ
Cardinal Brislin offered a powerful meditation on diversity within the priesthood, describing it as a reflection of Christ Himself, whose fullness cannot be captured by one single person.
“No single individual can reveal the fullness of Christ,” he said. “His face is seen from many sides and many angles. Together, as Christians, we witness to the whole Christ.”
Yet, he cautioned that diversity should never be allowed to become division.
“Sometimes we form groups for a false sense of security, and in doing so we shield ourselves from being challenged and from growing,” he warned. “That is not priesthood as it is meant to be.”
Instead, he urged a renewed commitment to unity, humility and mutual understanding, values that lie at the heart of Christ’s priestly mission.
Discipleship is the path to eternal life
The cardinal wrapped up the homily by reflecting on the deeper meaning of death through the lens of discipleship. He explained that the Christian journey is one of continual letting go, of selfishness, of worldly attachments and ultimately, of life itself.
“Christianity is a choice,” he said. “It is the decision to let go of all that does not belong to Christ. It is this journey of discipleship that prepares us for eternity.”
He reminded the faithful that Pope Francis has often emphasised that salvation is rooted not in titles or status, but in authentic discipleship:
“We will not be saved because we are priests, sisters, brothers or bishops. We will be saved because we have followed Christ.”
“May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace,” Cardinal Brislin concluded.
