Johannesburg: In a spirited celebration of Pentecost, Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Johannesburg, united with the Zimbabwean Catholic community in the city for a pastoral visit and Eucharistic celebration. Held at the Cathedral of Christ the King, the Mass was infused with joy, song, and a rich expression of Zimbabwean culture.

The liturgy was animated by traditional Zimbabwean hymns and dynamic expressions of worship, drawing together members of the diaspora from across Johannesburg. Cardinal Brislin described the event, in conversation with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Communications Office, as “a truly joyful Pentecost celebration – a moment when the movement of the Holy Spirit among us was unmistakable.”

Reflecting on the deeper meaning of the day, the Cardinal underscored the gift of cultural and spiritual diversity in the Church. “Diversity is a blessing, not a barrier,” he said. “Though we come from different backgrounds, we are bound together by one Lord, one faith, and one Gospel. This unity in diversity is what strengthens the Church.”

The Archbishop emphasized Pentecost as a powerful reminder of the Church’s global nature. “What we’ve witnessed here today is the universality of the Body of Christ,” he said. “The Church is made up of many cultures and tongues, yet remains one family under God.”

Addressing wider societal concerns, Cardinal Brislin spoke of the need for unity in a fractured world. “Nation-building demands selflessness. It calls on us to prioritise the collective good over personal or political gain. With the Holy Spirit guiding us, we can heal divisions and serve the real needs of South Africa,” he urged.

Mrs. Christina Dawn Nzwere, Vice Chairperson of the Zimbabwean Catholic Community in Johannesburg, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the Cardinal’s presence. “His Eminence’s visit means so much to us. His words were inclusive and full of warmth,” she shared. “Today is a day of deep spiritual encouragement.”

Mrs. Nzwere explained that the Zimbabwean Catholic faithful are not isolated but are actively involved in parish life across the city. “We’re part of parish choirs, serve as Eucharistic ministers, and engage in charitable efforts both here and back home in Zimbabwe,” she noted.

One persistent challenge facing the community, however, is related to immigration and documentation. “Many of us struggle with expired or pending legal papers,” Mrs. Nzwere said. “We appeal to the Church to continue helping us navigate these bureaucratic hurdles so we can live and worship freely.”

She concluded with a profound reflection on identity and belonging. “South Africa is my home because I am Catholic. As Archbishop Emeritus Buti Tlhagale once reminded us, ‘A Catholic is never a foreigner.’ That’s the spirit we live by.”

The celebration not only marked the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost but also stood as a powerful testament to the unity of faith communities across borders, affirming that in Christ, no one is an outsider.