All roads lead to Rome

Going to Italy is on my bucket list for sure. Sunday March 10th will go in history as one of the most important days in the lives of many Italians. They were the first to have a temple in the land of the New Testament. Daniel's ancestors are from that part of the world and I have always wanted to go there ever since we got married but never had the chance so now with the new temple in Rome I have more of a desire to go more than ever!

Besides the usual touristy attractions like the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine, Vatican City, the Pantheon, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, etc. we now have the beautiful visitor's center. This temple and grounds took years to get built with much resistance but it got done finally.

This morning President Nelson said this about this historic day: "We held the first dedicatory session of the Rome Italy Temple. I feel an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude that our Heavenly Father has blessed families and individuals in and around Italy with this beautiful temple. 

The promises of the temple are real for members of the Church across the globe. If you will go to the temple seeking strength and understanding, you will be taught by the Lord Himself about truths that matter to you most in your time of need. 

Please remember that at the root of every temple ordinance and covenant-- at the heart of God's plan for His children-- is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every activity, lesson, and advancement in the Church points to the Lord and HIs temple. 

Each temple stands as a sign of our faith in life after death and as a sacred step toward eternal glory for us and our families... more than 2,000 years ago, our Savior Jesus Christ ministered to the world, establishing His Church and His gospel. He called Apostles and gave them the decrees to 'go ye therefore, and teach all nations.' 

In our day, the Lord's Church has been restored. The Savior stands at the head of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As modern-day Apostles of Jesus Christ, the message we share today is the same message that Apostles shared long ago-- that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ.

As one of His special witnesses, I testify that because the Savior offered Himself as the infinite Atonement, you and I have the opportunity-- the privilege-- to be forgiven when we repent. We can also turn to Him for healing of our hearts, for strength when we are weak, and for help to do things we simply cannot do on our own. He taught us how to love, how to pray, how to endure. There's no trial we can ensue that He doesn't know about. He gives each one of us hope. 

I am honored to be listed among the many who teach and testify of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Savior of the world, and He has given us an example by which we can live. 

Because of Jesus Christ, we can have access to power sufficient to deal with the burdens, obstacles, and temptations of our day. He delivers us from physical and spiritual death. I love and testify of Him." 

What a beautiful time in the history of the Church to have a man who is 94 years old, so brilliant and gifted who points the way to the Savior and I feel so blessed to know him personally. I love this quote about faith: "Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can be bolstered as we learn about Him and live our religion. The doctrine of Jesus Christ was designed by the Lord to help us increase our faith."

The way it was before...

                               The way it has been restored today with a Quorum of the Twelve! 

Con amor,

Vero