“On such a solemn occasion as the installation of Cardinal Stephen Brislin as the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, we remind ourselves of the duties and responsibilities of religious and lay leaders in the church and society,” said Archbishop Emeritus Buti Joseph Tlhagale.

On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at St. Benedict’s College in Bedfordview, Cardinal Stephen Brislin was officially installed as the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg. In his homily, Archbishop Emeritus Tlhagale reflected on the responsibilities of both clergy and laity in the Church and society.

He emphasized the crucial role of lay people in evangelization, particularly in light of diminishing vocations to the priesthood and religious life. He called on church leaders to empower the laity to be witnesses to Christ in their families, communities, and workplaces, promoting virtues such as honesty, justice, and moral integrity.

The Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) member also addressed pressing social challenges, including the loss of human dignity due to poverty, violence, and unemployment. He underscored the Church’s duty to uphold the value of every human life and to combat threats such as gangsterism, human trafficking, and economic disparity. Quoting Pope Saint John Paul II, he affirmed that work is essential for human dignity and called on religious and civic leaders to support job creation as a moral imperative.

Furthermore, Archbishop Emeritus Tlhagale OMI highlighted the ongoing racial and economic divisions in society and within church communities. While these divisions may not always be visible, they remain a serious threat to unity and social stability. He urged church leaders and laypeople to actively work toward reconciliation and unity, reminding them of the Gospel’s call to love and mutual concern.

Concluding with a prayer for conversion, Archbishop Emeritus Tlhagale OMI invoked the example of St. Paul, asking that leaders be given the grace to see clearly and act with justice in serving the people of God.