On the Solemnity of Pentecost, the Local Ordinary of Johannesburg celebrated Mass with the Zimbabwean Catholic community at the Cathedral of Christ the King, calling for deeper unity, humility, and full participation in the life of the local Church.

Addressing members of the Zimbabwean community of the Johannesburg Archdiocese during his first pastoral visit to them, Cardinal Stephen Brislin reflected on the significance of Pentecost and the role of the Holy Spirit in building bridges across cultural, linguistic, and national divides. “The gift of the Holy Spirit was not just a matter of speaking different languages but is about bringing unity even when traversing differences,” he said.

Drawing from the day’s readings, Cardinal Brislin emphasized that unity does not require sameness, but rather a shared commitment to Christ and the Church. “Your individuality—your background, your language, your culture, your experiences, and your gifts—are integral to the Body of Christ,” he affirmed, referencing St. Paul’s image of the Church as one body made up of many diverse and essential parts.

Cardinal Brislin urged members of the Zimbabwean community to overcome the pride, prejudice, and misunderstanding that often hinder authentic unity. “Togetherness and good relationships with others demand humility,” he said. “Let us leave this Mass with the intention and resolve to reconcile differences among ourselves and to meet the challenge of integrating into the local community, which is your home away from home.”

His homily echoed the pastoral vision of Pope Francis, especially the four verbs he has used to guide the Church’s approach to migrants and refugees: to welcome, to protect, to promote, and to integrate. This vision has also been actively promoted by Archbishop Emeritus Buti Joseph Tlhagale OMI, who emphasized on several occasions that migrants are not outsiders, but vital members of the Church. “Migrants bring with them their faith, their traditions, and their dreams,” Archbishop Tlhagale has said. “The local Church is not diminished by their presence—it is enriched.”

In his Sunday, June 8 homily Cardinal Brislin went on to stress that the Church must be a witness of unity in diversity. “It is a great scandal to the Gospel message when we are divided among ourselves and cannot accept those who are different from ourselves in some respect—even though we are all of one faith,” he said.

The vibrant celebration—marked by traditional hymns and a spirit of joy—was a powerful witness of the unity the Cardinal described. In closing, Cardinal Brislin invited the Zimbabwean community—and all migrants in South Africa—to continue seeking reconciliation and integration within the local Church.

“As we celebrate Pentecost, the day in which the divisions of Babel are reversed, we should reflect on what we can do to promote unity and to build bridges with others,” he said.

Toward the end of Mass, the Vice Secretary of the Zimbabwean community in the Johannesburg Archdiocese, Mrs. Christina Dawn Nzwere, introduced members of the various guilds, including the youth, children, Legion of Mary, and others. In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, the guild members presented Cardinal Brislin with gifts, thanking him for his presence and support.

The Mass was followed by a joyful lunch for all, including Cardinal Brislin, where parishioners and guests shared a meal and fellowship in a spirit of celebration and togetherness.