Father Michael Harrington, director of the Office of Outreach and Cultural Diversity, read the parable of the Good Samaritan, which led into a keynote address from Cardinal O'Malley.

In his talk, the cardinal referenced the parable, saying that it highlights that Catholics should not only be merciful to their neighbors, but should also love them, and love God.

"Love with your whole heart, (Jesus) says, not only your God, but also your neighbor. In this Year of Mercy, the Lord is telling us to go and do likewise, to practice mercy," said Cardinal O'Malley.

"Love is not an obligation, it's a necessity to live. Without love, we die inside," he continued.

Cardinal O'Malley also noted the need for compassion, especially in this Year of Mercy.

"Compassion is not an instinct, compassion is a conquest. It means putting someone else's pain center stage, and forgetting about our own troubles," he said.

Cardinal O'Malley ended his remarks by leading the assembly in the Jubilee Prayer of Mercy.

The event concluded with a performance by 10 different ethnic choirs.

Leiri Bocanegra, of St. Mary Parish in Waltham, served as a volunteer at the event.

She told The Pilot she was impressed by the amount of people who attended the event.

"It's just unbelievable how many people come together from different parts of the world to just express their love for Jesus and (his) Mother," she said.

Father Harrington, speaking with The Pilot April 5, said that there is a potential for Walking with Mary to become an annual event.

"This was especially for the Year of Mercy, but a lot of ethnic leaders thought this would be the kind of event that could be done every year... Maybe we have started a tradition," he said.