At the annual Chrism Mass celebrated on Thursday, 2 April 2026, at the Cathedral of Christ the King, thousands of faithful from across the Archdiocese of Johannesburg gathered in prayerful unity to witness the blessing of the sacred oils and the renewal of priestly promises—central signs of communion and mission in the life of the Church.

In his homily, Cardinal Brislin invited priests to reflect deeply on the mystery of their calling, emphasizing that priesthood is not merely a profession but a response to God’s invitation. Quoting Pope John Paul II, he recalled how the late Pontiff described his own vocation as a mystery rooted in a personal encounter with Christ’s call: “Come, follow me.”

“The call to priesthood is undoubtedly a mystery,” the Cardinal said. “It is not a career in the usual sense of the word. It is a stirring in the heart that urges a response to God—one that entails sacrifice, service, and a willingness to give oneself entirely to the community.”

He noted that this inner call is similar to the experience of the prophets, particularly Jeremiah, whose sense of divine mission compelled him to proclaim God’s word despite hardship and opposition. Such a call, he said, continues to inspire priests and Christian disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God with courage, even in times of uncertainty and moral confusion.

A Call to Fidelity in a Troubled World

Reflecting on the global situation marked by war, conflict, and social instability, Cardinal Brislin warned against the misuse of religion to justify violence or domination. He stressed that authentic Christianity must always be rooted in the Gospel of peace and justice.

Citing the words of Pope Leo XIV, the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) echoed the Church’s firm teaching that no one can invoke God to justify war or hatred. He described the use of religious language to defend violence as a distortion of the Christian message and a sign of what he called a “pseudo-Christianity” driven by power and ideology rather than faith.

“It is a disgrace that the name of God is used to justify acts of terror, the killing of children, and the suffering of the innocent,” he said. “This is not Christianity. It is the worship of power and the worship of mammon.”

Cardinal Bislin also drew attention to the dangers posed by ideological polarization and the erosion of responsible leadership in the world. He warned that arrogance, self-sufficiency, and the pursuit of dominance among nations risk escalating violence and deepening human suffering.

Rooted in Sound Doctrine and Theology

Addressing the priests directly during the renewal of their promises, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Johannesburg delivered a clear and pastoral exhortation:

“As priests we must remain rooted in sound doctrine and sound theology,” he said, underscoring the need for fidelity to the teachings of the Church in an age marked by competing ideologies and religious confusion.

He cautioned against the temptation to conform to popular opinion or to dilute the Gospel message in order to gain approval. In particular, he warned about the spread of false teachings, including prosperity cults and forms of religious fundamentalism that distort the Christian faith for personal gain.

“We were ordained priests to represent the Church, to preach what the Church preaches, and to remain faithful to the Magisterium,” he said. “Truth must be proclaimed, even when it is unpopular.”

Cardinal Brislin emphasized that theology must begin with faith and be grounded in the tradition of the Church, rather than shaped by ideology or personal preference. In doing so, he affirmed the importance of theological integrity as a foundation for authentic pastoral ministry.

Renewal of Priestly Commitment

The renewal of priestly promises formed a central moment of the liturgy, as priests publicly recommitted themselves to their mission of service, holiness, and pastoral leadership. In his homily Cardinal Brislin reminded the clergy that priesthood is a lifelong journey of growth and conversion. Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, he highlighted the daily call to self-giving and surrender to God’s will.

“Day after day it is necessary to learn that I do not possess my life for myself,” he said, echoing the words of the former Pope. “This means giving life, not taking it.”

He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the priests of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg for their dedication and pastoral care, acknowledging the sacrifices they make in serving the faithful. Turning to the laity, he thanked them for their support, prayers, and understanding, especially in moments when priests fall short.

A Prayer for Peace and Perseverance

Concluding his homily, Cardinal Brislin called on both priests and faithful to remain attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit and to live lives of moral integrity and Christian witness. He urged the Church to pray continually for peace in a world threatened by violence and division.

“Violence and the ugliness of human cruelty destroy what God has created,” he said. “Pray for peace every day.”

The Chrism Mass in Johannesburg Archdiocese, presided over by Cardinal Stephen Brislin, brought together clergy, religious, and lay faithful in a visible expression of ecclesial unity during Holy Week. During the celebration, the Cardinal blessed the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and consecrated the Sacred Chrism, which are used throughout the year in the sacraments of Baptism, Anointing of the Sick, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.