In his first pastoral visit as the Archbishop of Johannesburg, Cardinal Stephen Brislin celebrated the Solemnity of the Ascension with the Croatian Catholic community at St Jerome Croatian Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. It was a moment of profound faith, heartfelt thanksgiving, and renewed commitment to the Gospel.

“Firstly, congratulations on this stage today,” the Cardinal began, noting the significance of the moment for the Croatian community. “It’s an opportunity for us… to give thanks to God for creation, to remember the sufferings of the past… but knowing that God has always been present amidst those sufferings and has led us to the present day.”

Cardinal Brislin’s homily wove together the meaning of the Ascension and the lived experience of the community. He reminded the faithful that the Ascension is “not just about Christ going up into heaven, but about the Church — the body of Christ — being united with Him.” He emphasized that “our belief, our hope, is that we as the followers of Jesus in the fullness of time will be fully united with Him in heaven.”

The Archbishop of Johannesburg expressed deep appreciation for the Croatian community’s vibrant witness and perseverance, especially during the times they were without a resident priest. “Thank you very much… most especially when you have not had a priest. We hope that will be resolved in the coming months.”

He praised the Church’s openness and sense of unity: “This Church itself, St Jerome, is a symbol of diversity and richness… You cater for the Croatian community, but not in isolation. You are open to others and part of the wider community.” He underlined that identity must not be found in isolation, but in relationship with others.

Drawing attention to the global struggles of migrants and refugees, Cardinal Brislin made a poignant call to solidarity. “Many people unfortunately see migrants and refugees as a nuisance… But when we think of it, where did we all come from? We are all migrants in some sense.” He urged the faithful to “empathize, to reach out to those who are different from us, to those who are suffering.”

The 68-year-old Local Ordinary of Johannesburg Archdiocese spoke directly to the challenges of modern life — personal, communal, and global — stressing the need for divine help to rise above them. “Left to ourselves, as human beings, we descend into things like war, conflict, jealousy, anger… But our Christianity is meant to help us participate in the divine… to form loving relationships based on sacrifice and sharing.”

Addressing the younger generation and those facing hardship, he added a pastoral note of encouragement. “So many young people seem to give up so easily… We’ve got to help them persevere, to say that things will change, things will be better.”

Cardinal Brislin concluded by inviting the faithful to recommit themselves to Christian living: “We recommit ourselves to living the life of Christianity… to participating in the life of the Church… to paving the way for future generations.” He invoked the intercession of St Anthony and Our Lady, saying, “We seek her intercession and protection as we go into the future. May God bless you all. Praise the Lord.”

Cardinal Brislin’s visit marked not only a pastoral milestone but a celebration of faith, culture, and the enduring unity of the Church — a Church that embraces all peoples, cultures, and histories under the Lordship of Christ.