COURTESY: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsThe sun shone brightly on August 31st, casting its warm glow over the bustling city of Cagayan de Oro. It was a day that marked the beginning of a new chapter for the local community and for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the region. With much anticipation and heartfelt prayers, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cagayan de Oro Philippines Temple took place, setting the stage for a spiritual landmark to rise on the north-central coast of Mindanao.
Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr., a General Authority Seventy and president of the Church’s Philippines Area, led the ceremony. A native of General Santos City, Mindanao, Elder Revillo expressed deep gratitude in his prayer, offered in Cebuano, thanking Heavenly Father for the blessing of a temple. This event not only signifies the physical construction of a building but also the strengthening of faith and community ties.
The vision of a temple in Cagayan de Oro was first shared by President Russell M. Nelson on April 1, 2018. Fast forward to today, the construction phase has officially begun, transforming dreams into reality. The temple is planned to be a two-story building of approximately 18,449 square feet, situated on a 4.9-acre site. Alongside the temple, an ancillary building will be erected to include an arrival center, patron housing, and a distribution center.
This project is one of the 13 houses of the Lord either dedicated, under construction, or planned in the Philippines. It reflects the rapid growth of the Church in the nation, where over 876,000 members across nearly 1,300 congregations call it home. Since the gospel was first preached in the Philippines in 1961, the Church has witnessed remarkable growth, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in the world.
The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by various community leaders and interfaith representatives, showcasing a spirit of unity and collaboration. Among those in attendance were Cagayan de Oro City Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez, Opol Municipality Mayor Jay Francis Bago, and Rev. Fr. Rex L. Rocamora from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.
This interfaith gathering highlights the importance of building bridges between different communities and fostering mutual respect and understanding. As Elder Revillo emphasized, the temple is not just a building but a beacon of hope and a symbol of unity for all people in the region.
The Cagayan de Oro Temple represents more than just a place of worship; it is a beacon of hope, joy, and eternal promises. President Nelson's message to the world is simple yet profound: "We invite all of God’s children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior, receive the blessings of the holy temple, have enduring joy and qualify for eternal life."
The temple will serve as a sacred space where individuals can draw closer to their Savior and find peace in a tumultuous world. It will be a place where families are strengthened, and eternal bonds are forged, bringing joy and fulfillment to countless lives.
As the construction of the Cagayan de Oro Temple progresses, the anticipation and excitement continue to grow. This temple will join the ranks of the Manila, Cebu City, and Urdaneta temples, serving as a spiritual refuge for the faithful in the Philippines.
For the members in Cagayan de Oro and beyond, this temple is a testament to their faith, dedication, and the love of their Heavenly Father. It is a reminder that, no matter the challenges faced, the blessings of the temple are within reach, offering hope, guidance, and eternal joy.
The journey has just begun, and the future is bright for the Latter-day Saints in the Philippines. As the temple rises, so does the faith and spirit of the community, united in their devotion and love for the Lord.
