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.