With Thanksgiving this week, we are reminded of the treasure we have in family and the glue that holds it all together-marriage as a lifetime commitment between a man and a woman. Despite marriage coming under increasing attack in our country, it is encouraging to know that this essential institution is still recognized and cherished by an overwhelming majority of peoples, religions and cultures around the world.

Last week an amazing conference took place in Rome regarding the eternal and universal truth of marriage. The International Colloquium on the Complementarity of Man and Woman, hosted by the Vatican, brought together scholars and religious leaders from all over the world speaking in unity the truth that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. I urge you watch the beautiful series of videos produced for the colloquium calledHumanum, which are available on YouTube. One of our local faith leaders in Massachusetts, Rev. Dr. Eugene Rivers of a Pentecostal Protestant Church in Boston and his wife, Dr. Jacqueline Rivers, read a text that they composed called, “A New Affirmation of Marriage.”

Another presentation of particular note was Pastor Rick Warren’s speech on marriage andthe necessity of affirming marriage as often as possible in sermons and church life programs.

Also, this Sunday’s Boston Globe featured a remarkable opinion piece entitled, “Can Pope Francis Heal the Deep Divisions in Christianity?”. The lengthy article tells of the remarkable dialogue and cooperation between Catholic and Evangelical leaders around the world as they are unified in the battles for the definition of marriage and the sanctity of human life. That certainly has been the case here in Massachusetts over the past decade and we are most grateful for the unity of the Catholic and Evangelical communities in the Commonwealth.