In the latest administrative changes in the Southern African nation that the Holy See press office made public on Monday, October 28, the Holy Father also accepted the retirement of Archbishop Buti Joseph Tlhagale.
Archbishop Buti, who turned 75 in December 2022 has shepherded the people of God in Johannesburg Archdiocese since his installation in June 2003 following his transfer from South Africa’s Catholic Archdiocese of Bloemfontein, where he started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1999.
In a letter addressed to the people of God in Johannesburg Archdiocese, Archbishop Buti “warmly” welcomes his successor “with open arms”.
In the letter dated October 28, the South African Catholic Archbishop says that Cardinal Brislin is to set the date for his installation and that the date he sets “will be duly communicated to the entire Archdiocese.”
The member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) recognizes his new temporary role in Johannesburg Archdiocese as Apostolic Administrator “until the new Archbishop takes complete control of the Archdiocese after his installation.”
The South African Catholic Archbishop implores blessings upon his successor, Cardinal Brislin, saying, “May God bless the new Archbishop.”
Born in Welkom in September 1956, Cardinal Brislin was ordained a Priest in November 1983.
In October 2006, he was appointed Bishop of South Africa’s Kroonstad Catholic Diocese and Consecrated Bishop in January 2007. Three years later, he was transferred to the Archdiocese of Cape Town.
When installed as Local Ordinary of Johannesburg, Cardinal Brislin will shepherd the people of God in the South African Metropolitan See with some 1.1 million Catholics, according to 2022 statistics.