Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, addressed the Catholic community with a message emphasizing the universal call to holiness. He underscored that every human being is made in the image and likeness of God and is called to be holy regardless of their personal history.

"Holiness is the quality of our union with God, the indication of our closeness to him," Cardinal Tobin stated. He referenced Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical Spe Salvi, which describes life as "a voyage on the sea of history" where saints serve as guiding stars pointing towards Jesus Christ.

The cardinal highlighted that while many saints have been canonized by the Church for their heroic virtue, countless others have lived lives devoted to Christ without official recognition. "All of us are called to holiness," he said, acknowledging that many struggle in this journey but are supported by sacraments like the Eucharist and penance.

Cardinal Tobin expressed gratitude for God's endless grace and mercy, noting that Christians believe it is possible to grow in holiness even after death through prayers for those who have passed away. "We are all called to become holy—both the living and the dead," he emphasized.

He also pointed out that saints provide a model for closeness to God through their daily lives, sacrifices, and devotion. The cardinal attributed their success in living holy lives largely to prayer: "Saints are men and women who know how to pray."

In his Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate, Pope Francis affirmed that holiness enhances humanity rather than diminishes it. Cardinal Tobin quoted Pope Francis: “Holiness does not make you less human since it is an encounter between your weakness and the power of God’s grace.”

Cardinal Tobin concluded by urging believers to look up to saints as guides toward unity with God and prayed for divine grace: "Let’s pray for the grace to let God’s love and mercy touch our hearts."

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R.

Archbishop of Newark