13 May 2026 | St Therese Catholic Church, Edenvale

The Catholic Order of the Knights of da Gama is proud to congratulate Kenneth Robin Lydall — affectionately known as Robin — on being awarded the Order of Saint Gregory the Great, one of the highest honours the Holy See bestows upon lay Catholics.

The award was presented by Cardinal Stephen Brislin at a Mass held at St Therese Catholic Church, Edenvale, on 13 May 2026, in recognition of Robin's lifelong service to the Church, Catholic education, and the Knights of da Gama.

Robin's association with the Order spans more than six decades, having joined the Squires in Maryvale in 1964. Over the years he has served in virtually every leadership capacity, including Grand Knight of Council 28, Supreme Treasurer, Deputy Supreme Knight, Supreme Knight from 2001 to 2005, and as editor of The Link since 2009. He has represented South Africa at International Alliance of Catholic Knights conventions around the world and served on numerous committees, including the Heraldry and Insignia Committee and the Investment Advisory Committee.

Beyond the Order, Robin devoted himself equally to Catholic education — serving on the Board of Governors of St Benedict's College for decades, including nearly forty years as Chairman — and to his parish community at St Therese Catholic Church, where he has ministered as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and served on Archdiocesan finance committees.

A Chartered Accountant with a career spanning more than sixty years — including a long partnership with what became KPMG — Robin has always brought the same rigour, integrity, and dedication to his faith and community as he has to his profession.

The Knights of da Gama congratulate Robin and his family on this richly deserved recognition. His example of humble, faithful, and tireless service to the Church and to our Order is an inspiration to all.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.

On June 28, 2025, Knights from St. Michael & St. George Council 2 (La Rochelle) participated in a Confirmation ceremony at Marist Brothers, at the request of Archbishop Buti. The Knights escorted the Archbishop and candidates, standing proudly in formation to enhance the solemnity of the event.

Grand Knight José and First Degree Brother Ethan stood in the Sanctuary, while Brothers Joshua, Killian, Tony, Garry, Damean, Mpilo, and Solros formed an honor guard. The ceremony reminded all of the Holy Spirit's transformative power, with Knights moving silently and precisely to guide candidates and sponsors. The event received widespread compliments from attendees, showcasing the Order's commitment to Church sacraments. For more photos, visit the council's Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/knights.of.da.gama.cl2?igsh=MW0xNWhlejFqYmZkbw==.

In the July 2025 editorial, Editor Robin Lydall reflects on a turbulent year marked by uncertainty under U.S. President Trump's policies, including potential tariffs impacting South African exports and the loss of AIDS funding. Global conflicts continue to cause immense suffering, raising questions about achieving peace and rebuilding lives.

Amid these challenges, Lydall highlights South Africa's beauty and the potential of its people, urging Knights to contribute beyond finances—perhaps by facilitating job opportunities or skill development for the underprivileged. The most significant Church event of 2025 was the passing of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV, whose close collaboration with his predecessor inspires confidence in continued Holy Spirit guidance. Knights are called to support the Church's works under the new pontiff, fostering hope and action in uncertain times.

The Knights of da Gama mourn the passing of Past Supreme Knight Noel Pistorius, who entered eternal rest on July 11, 2025, at the age of 87. A Requiem Mass was held on July 18 at Durban North, attended by Supreme Knight Errol Plaatjies, Deputy Supreme Knight Mark Ceruti, Supreme Treasurer (PSK) Robin Lydall, Regional Grand Knight Nigel Hawkins, and brothers from the KZN region. As a deacon, Noel served the Church faithfully, and his 60+ years in the Order included roles as Grand Knight, Supreme Advocate (1971–1983), and Supreme Knight (1983–1985). He was honored with the St. Edmund Cross of Honour in 1985 and ordained as a deacon in 2002.

In a heartfelt eulogy delivered by his son Gavin, Noel was celebrated as a devoted husband to Maureen, father to Mark, Melanie, and Gavin, and a grandfather and great-grandfather. Born in Johannesburg in 1937, he excelled in academics and sports, becoming a commissioned officer in the SADF and qualifying as an attorney by age 22. Converting to Catholicism in 1961, he joined the Knights and dedicated himself to spiritual and charitable causes, including the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Denis Hurley Centre. His career as a corporate lawyer spanned nearly 60 years, marked by diligence and passion. Noel's life embodied the Order's aim: to spread Christ's Kingdom through action and example. May he rest in peace.