Pope at Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mary Infuses Joy Where Joy Is Lacking in People
Pope Leo XIV presided over a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica to mark the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He described Mary as awakening in the people of the Americas the realization that they are deeply loved by God.
By Christopher Wells
In Christian tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary is revered as the “mother of love,” the Pope reminded attendees in his Friday homily for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
He explained that in the Gospel, Mary embodies a life open to the world, allowing external realities to transform her. Her initial joy at the Annunciation continues to shape her mission: she brings happiness to places where human joy is otherwise lacking.
This is precisely what occurs at Guadalupe, where Mary awakens in the people of the Americas a renewed awareness of God’s love for them. The Pope pointed out that the Virgin spoke to St. Juan Diego in his native language, emphasizing that amid ongoing conflict, injustice, and suffering seeking relief, Our Lady of Guadalupe offers the central message: “Am I not here, I who am your mother?” Mary represents the voice that reinforces God’s faithfulness and acts as a sustaining presence when life feels unbearable.
As our Mother, Mary invites us to “do whatever [Jesus] tells you,” and our response is, “Yes, Mother, we want to be your true children. Show us how to grow in faith when our strength falters and darkness thickens. Help us see that with you, even winter can bloom into roses.”
With sincere filial devotion, Pope Leo appealed directly to the Blessed Virgin, asking her to teach the world to reject division into irreconcilable camps; to guide young people to remain firm in the faith; to reach out to those who have strayed from the Church; and to strengthen family life.
“Holy Virgin,” the Pope prayed, “may we, like you, keep the Gospel in our hearts,” convinced that wherever the Gospel is shared, “everything becomes beautiful, restored, renewed.”
In closing, Pope Leo asked Mary to support him in his role as the Successor of St. Peter, so that he may guide all those entrusted to him along the path that leads to the blessed Fruit of her womb.
In his final prayer, the Holy Father trusted in Mary’s protection, asking that we move forward, united with Jesus and with one another, toward the eternal dwelling He has prepared for us, where Mary awaits us.
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