Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, addressed the faithful in a message focusing on the role of Mary as the Mother of Mercy. He described Mary as a figure who leads believers to Jesus, emphasizing that images such as the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe highlight her role in pointing towards her Son rather than seeking worship for herself.

Cardinal Tobin addressed criticisms that devotion to Mary may be seen as keeping women in secondary roles, stating, "There is a tendency today to discredit Mary, claiming that devotion to her ‘keeps women in their place,’ in a submissive or secondary role. In fact, the Magnificat boldly proclaims the opposite. Mary is strong. She is called blessed by all generations because of the mighty works done through her by God’s Providence."

He recounted the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where Mary appeared to Juan Diego, a Chichimeca Indian, and provided a miraculous sign to Bishop Juan de Zumárraga. Tobin noted that the image of Mary embedded in Juan Diego’s cloak is still displayed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe near Mexico City, which receives over 6 million pilgrims each year.

According to Cardinal Tobin, "Mary changes hearts. She leads us to her Son and helps us to recognize him as our Redeemer. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, is the patron saint of the Americas. Millions of Catholics and members of other Christian denominations look to her for protection from all the evils that threaten them, including illness and disease, poverty, violence, and economic or social unrest. Her words to Juan Diego, ‘Do not be afraid. Am I not here, your mother?’ show her mercy and compassion. These are words that all of us can take to heart no matter what our circumstances are or what is causing us to be anxious or afraid."

He encouraged prayer and devotion, especially during October, which is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Rosary, he said, offers consolation by recalling the mysteries of Christ’s and Mary’s lives.

The message also included an excerpt from Pope Leo XIV’s homily on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Pope reflected on Mary’s role in Christian history and her example of trust and courage. "Mary, wondrous union of grace and freedom, urges us to have trust and courage, and to participate fully in the life of God’s people," he said.

Pope Leo XIV highlighted the importance of the Magnificat and how it continues to inspire hope among the humble and faithful. He stated, "Mary was there, united with her Son. In our day, we are like Mary whenever we do not flee, whenever we make Jesus’ ‘yes’ our own. That ‘yes’ still lives and resists death in the martyrs of our time, in witnesses of faith and justice, of gentleness and peace."

Both Cardinal Tobin and Pope Leo XIV pointed to the example set by Mary as one that encourages resilience, hope, and faithfulness within the Christian community.

The message concluded with an invitation from Cardinal Tobin for all to join him in praying the Magnificat.