New Archbishop of Johannesburg welcomed in Bedfordview
“I am filled with Joy at becoming part of the local church in Johannesburg."
Thousands of community members and representatives from faith-based organisations flocked to Bedfordview for the recent installation of the Archbishop of Johannesburg Archbishop Stephen Brislin.
Held at St Benedict’s College the prestigious ceremony for the Archdiocese of Johannesburg was conducted on January 25.
Some of the dignitaries who attended included Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister Velenkosi Hlabisa (IFP president and minister of COGTA), the ANC’s first deputy secretary Nomvula Mokonyane, MEC Faith Mazibuko, MEC Bonginkosi Dhlamini, Clr Mlungisi Mabaso, Clr Lerato Maloka, Ekurhuleni City Manager Dr Imogen Mashazi, SA advocate to Venezuela Adv Lindiwe Maseko and madam speaker Thoko Didiza.
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Archbishop Brislin succeeds Buti Tlhagale who was the previous Archbishop but recently retired.
Following this Archbishop Brislin will lead the Archdiocese of Johannesburg.
“I am filled with joy at becoming part of the local church in Johannesburg. I do not know the archdiocese well and
“I do not yet know the people of the archdioceses but in the coming months I will meet and get to know many of you.”
Archbishop Brislin explained that this will be a time of learning as he discoverers the ethos of the archdiocese.
“I do not come with the intent of bringing preconceived change but I come as a fellow pilgrim.”
According to Bedfordview Police Station’s spokesperson Sergeant Lillian Modiga, the event went smoothly with no serious incidents reported.
She said two SAPS officers and nine members were deployed to ensure safety at the event.
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They were supported by 20 members of 24/7 security, 30 members of BSG private security, 10 members from SAPS’ Public Order Policing,11 Gauteng traffic wardens, 15 members from Gauteng traffic, 15 Ekurhuleni wardens, three CPF members and paramedics.
Born in September 1956 Archbishop Brislin has led a successful journey.
In 1983 he was ordained priest of Kroonstad before being appointed (2006) and then ordained (2007) the Bishop of Kroonstad.
In 2009 Archbishop Brislin was appointed the Archbishop of Cape Town. Fourteen years later, in 2023 he was elevated to cardinal.
The same year Archbishop Brislin was appointed cardinal priest of Santa Maria Domenica Mazzarello before his installation in May 2024.
Later that same year, in October, Archbishop Brislin was appointed the Archbishop of Johannesburg before his installation in January this year.
Thanking former Archbishop Tlhagale, Archbishop Brislin said he was thankful for the leadership Tlhagale provided to the archdiocese and the church in SA.
“I am grateful for the support and encouragement Tlhagale has given me personally. I have big boots to fill and wish him a peaceful and restful retirement.”
