Faith and Gratitude Mark New Year’s Day Mass at Christ the King Cathedral
Cardinal Stephen Brislin celebrates Mass on the first day of the year 2026. Photo: Sheldon Reddiar
By Kati Dijane – The Archdiocese of Johannesburg welcomed the New Year in prayer and thanksgiving as hundreds of the faithful gathered at Christ the King Cathedral for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on 1 January 2026. The Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Stephen Brislin, joined at the altar by Father Vusi Nhlapo and Father Karabo Lephuthing.
Marking both the first day of the civil year and one of the Church’s most significant Marian feasts, the celebration invited the faithful to begin 2026 rooted in gratitude, faith and renewed commitment to God.
In his homily, Cardinal Brislin reflected on the meaning of the new year as a sacred moment of reflection and hope. “We gather with a deep sense of gratitude to God for the year that has passed,” he said, acknowledging that the year had carried both joys and hardships. “Whatever we have encountered or endured, we give thanks to God for His presence in our lives and for the strength He gives us to face all things.”
The cardinal reminded the congregation that faith does not remove life’s challenges but gives believers the strength and grace to endure them. As a new year begins, he encouraged the faithful to renew their commitment to live according to the Gospel, to deepen their prayer lives and to strive for holiness in their daily actions.
“While many people make New Year’s resolutions that are easily forgotten, as people of faith we are called to make a deeper commitment: to centre our lives on God, to overcome what holds us back spiritually and to live as people of light in a world often marked by darkness,” he said.
Reflecting on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Cardinal Brislin explained that the feast is not only about honouring Mary, but also about affirming the central truth of Christian faith: that Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine. “Mary is not honoured because of herself alone, but because of the One she bore,” he said. “Through her, God became flesh and dwelt among us.”
He acknowledged that the title “Mother of God” can be misunderstood, even among Catholics but clarified that it does not elevate Mary above God. Rather, it affirms the mystery of the Incarnation, that Jesus, born of Mary, is truly God made man.
The cardinal went on to highlight the profound dignity of motherhood, describing it as a sacred vocation often undervalued in modern society. He spoke movingly of the sacrifices, love and strength embodied in motherhood, calling it a reflection of God’s own nurturing love.
“Motherhood is a profound journey of self-giving,” he said. “It is often hidden, often unrecognised, yet it shapes lives, families and societies. Through Mary, we see the beauty and holiness of a mother’s vocation.”
He reminded the congregation that Mary’s role extends beyond history; she remains a spiritual mother to all believers. Quoting Scripture and Church tradition, he emphasised that Mary continues to intercede for humanity, guiding the faithful closer to Christ.
The cardinal also reflected on the call for believers to “give birth” to Christ in their own lives. Faith, he explained, is not merely intellectual assent to doctrine but a lived reality expressed through actions of mercy, justice and love.
“Just as Mary carried Christ within her, we too are called to carry Him within our hearts and reveal Him through our deeds,” he said. “Faith must be lived, not only professed.”
Drawing on the words of St James, Cardinal Brislin reminded the congregation that authentic faith is demonstrated through works. Christians, he said, become instruments of God’s love when they live with compassion, integrity and generosity.
He concluded by inviting the faithful to entrust the year ahead to the intercession of Mary, Mother of God, asking her to guide, protect and strengthen them in their vocation as disciples.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you,” he said in closing. “May the Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
