The joyous celebration of the installation of the new Archbishop of Johannesburg culminated on Sunday, 26 January 2025, at the Cathedral of Christ the King. The momentous occasion was marked by the symbolic act of “taking possession” of the Cathedral.

The Symbolism of the Cathedral

In his homily, the new Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Johannesburg reflected on the significance of taking possession of the Cathedral.

“The Cathedral is, in a sense, the symbolic heart of the diocese,” he said. “It takes its name from the cathedra—the bishop’s chair—which symbolizes the responsibility of the bishop to teach, pastor, and unite the flock of Christ.”

Cardinal Stephen Brislin emphasized that the Cathedral belongs to all Catholics of the Archdiocese, representing unity, diversity, and the bishop’s role in gathering the faithful as one community in Christ.

What It Means to Be Church

Delving deeper into the symbolism, Cardinal Brislin explored the essence of the Church, describing three essential elements that “are dependent on each other”, namely, proclaiming the good news also called the “kerygma, to teach people about Christ and salvation.”

“The second essential element”, Cardinal Brislin said “is the celebration of the Sacraments which bring us into communion and encounter with Jesus Christ- this is the litergia.”

Cardinal Brislin said, “The third element is charity, love or caritas.” The Archbishop of Johannesburg quoted Pope Benedict XVI, who described charity as essential to the Church’s mission, and Pope Francis, who called for awakening a “fraternal awareness” to address societal inequalities.

“Evangelization is through works of charity,” he explained, stressing that charity goes beyond material assistance to include a commitment to societal transformation.

A Call to Renewal and Covenant Living

The Archbishop highlighted the Church’s covenant relationship with God, sealed in the blood of Christ. He echoed Pope Francis’ challenge to Christians to embrace renewal and transformation, even when it feels uncomfortable or threatening. “Christian faith that does not disturb the powers that be and cannot generate a serious commitment to charity becomes an innocuous devotion,” he quoted, urging the faithful to live the Gospel boldly.

A Holy Year of Renewal

As the Church journeys through the Jubilee Year, the Archbishop reminded the congregation of their role as “pilgrims of hope.”

“Christian hope, fulfilled in Jesus and realized in His Kingdom, needs us—our commitment, our faith expressed in works of charity,” he said. “May we embrace this challenge and live the Gospel in fraternal and humble charity, so that we never hear the words of Christ, ‘When I was hungry, you gave me no food; when I was thirsty, you gave me nothing to drink.”

The installation of the new Archbishop marked not just the beginning of a new chapter for the Archdiocese of Johannesburg but also a call to the faithful to live out their covenant with God and embody the transformative mission of the Church.