As we gather to commemorate this milestone we cannot help but recall the emotionally charged account of the laying of the foundation stone of the new temple as recounted in the book of Ezra 3:12- 13; “many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people’s weeping, for the people shouted with a great shout, and the sound was heard far away.”

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I have no doubt that the Catholic community, in what was the Transvaal then, was filled with joy when the dream they had of a fitting house of the Lord was finally realised. From its very foundations this Cathedral was birthed through an extensive community based effort which saw families, schools, religious congregations, businesses, Catholic lay organisations and many others contribute their resources and time to see to it that it stands as a Cathedral befitting the City of Gold. 

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This monument harkens the abiding presence of God amongst His people as was from creation to the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night that led the Israelites to the promised land. This cathedral, in its beauty and splendour, was designed to point heavenward and to lead the minds and souls of all the faithful to the heavenly banquet to which we all hope to participate fully when the Kingdom of God is fully realised. 

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Today, in a unique way, this Cathedral Church stands as a place where people from different nations gather together to offer their prayers and praise to God. It now stands as an arrival base for those looking to build their lives away from the challenges that have befallen their homelands. In a powerful way this Cathedral,  and the entire precinct, makes visible the true nature of the Church both triumphant and militant. In its crypt the remains of our forebears, those who dreamt of this place and gifted it to us, rest in the Lord and pray together with us everyday as we offer the Sacrifice of Praise - The Holy Mass.
 
When I had the privilege of taking possession of this Cathedral I remarked that; “The Cathedral is, in a sense, the symbolic heart of the diocese.” We hold this to be true as we observe the very life of the diocese flow from the centre of this mother church. Over the years this centre has hosted important persons in the life of the Church and in society. Here, thirty years ago, Pope Saint John Paul II visited and led an ecumenical prayer with leaders of different denominations. This was part of his important tour of Africa after the first ever Synod on Africa. Mother Teresa of Calcutta also visited this cathedral on her visit to South Africa. She and Pope John Paul II were canonised in 2014 and 2016 respectively meaning that two modern day saints have visited this cathedral. 

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This Cathedral has received thousands of people who every year observe the Rite of Election as they make their entry into the Catholic faith. Every year priests gather to renew their promises and join in the Mass of the Oils. This Cathedral is the ordination Church of new priests for the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. Everyday the faithful, right through the day, gather for personal prayer and liturgies. 

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We look to the future with deep gratitude and are conscious of the privilege of this inheritance that is now under our care. On our part we can proudly say that in this Cathedral the voice of prayer will never fall silent and here in this city this important monument will always hold high that name for which it is consecrated - Christ the King. 

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 Stephen Cardinal Brislin 
Archbishop of Johannesburg 
September 2025