Bishop Richard J. Malone will be traveling to Rome from November 11-15 for the United States Bishops Region II "Visita Ad Limina Apostolorum" (Visit to the Threshold of the Apostles), also known as the "ad limina." The "ad limina" is held every five to seven years, between bishops of each province and the Pope. The Region II group, which comprises the dioceses of New York State, will be led by Cardinal Timothy Dolan. All 14 U.S. provinces (geographic regions) will visit Rome this year, and into the next, for their "ad limina."

There are three key purposes for the "ad limina":

• The group, as a whole, will visit with Pope Francis as an expression of the unity of the Church. 
• Part of the preparation for the "ad limina" involves submitting a quinquennial report, prior to going to Rome. The bishops prepare these detailed reports that provide an overview on the life of the Catholic Church in their dioceses. The dicasteries (or departments) of the Holy See review this information. Then, while at the "ad limina," the bishops will visit various dicasteries to exchange questions, seek counsel and guidance, or to express concerns. Some of the dicasteries include: the Doctrine of the Faith, Catholic Education, Bishops, Protection of Minors, Divine Worship, Causes of Saints, Consecrated Life, Evangelization, Secretariat of State and Laity, Family & Life.
•  Finally, bishops will celebrate Mass at the tombs of the Holy Apostles, SS Peter and Paul, both of whom were martyred and are buried in Rome - this is known as 'the veneration of the tombs.' The pilgrimage to their tombs is an essential aspect of the visit as it unites all the participants in ecclesial communion.

Bishop Malone has participated in two "ad limina" visits since his Episcopal Ordination; he describes it as "an inspiring and hope-filled experience." Bishop added "As I travel to the tombs of the Holy Apostles, I carry with me the prayers and intentions of all the people of the Diocese of Buffalo. My prayer is for the healing of the diocese, especially for the healing of victim/survivors affected by clergy sexual abuse." Bishop Malone humbly asks for the prayers of the faithful, for himself and his brother bishops, for abundant graces on this most important journey to the Holy See.