Bishop Richard J. Malone and three archbishops from the United States have been invited to participate in the International Colloquium: The Complementarity of Man and Woman, which will be held at the Vatican, Nov. 17-19. Bishop Malone is chair of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth.

Archbishop José H. Gomez (Los Angeles), Archbishop Charles Chaput (Philadelphia) and Archbishop Salvatore Cordelione (San Francisco) are also scheduled to attend.

Bishop Malone said he is looking forward to taking part in the colloquium. "I ask that all pray for married couples, that their love and fidelity grow ever deeper as a witness to the ideal and truth of marriage. Pray also that our society may come to embrace the fullness of the gift that marriage is in its essence: the union of one man and one woman who are open to the gift of new life."

The colloquium is a gathering of religious leaders and scholars for the purpose of proposing anew the beauty of the natural union of man and woman in marriage. Presenters will develop various aspects of complementarity to support and reinvigorate marriage and family life for the flourishing of human society. Witnesses will draw from the wisdom of their religious tradition and cultural experience as they attest to the power and vitality of the complementary union of man and woman. It is hoped that the colloquium be a catalyst for creative language and projects, as well as for global solidarity, in the work of strengthening the nuptial relationship, both for the good of the spouses themselves and for the good of all who depend upon them.

The Colloquium is sponsored by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and co-sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Family, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, and the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity.

Read Bishop Malone's pastoral letter, "Marriage: yesterday ... today ... always."