A New Meaning for the "Eternal City"

The past week, a world away, President Monson, held the ground-breaking ceremony for the Rome, Italy temple. I can't begin to describe how happy this makes me feel. Though I know it will be a few years before it's completed, I know this temple will be an incredible instrument in fulfilling the mission of the LDS church and helping the work to progress even more. This means no more three day train rides and long days in the Swiss temple for the Italian Saints. This means many Eastern European Saints (Romania, Albania, Greece, Turkey, etc.) will not have to travel for days to get to the temple. This means more couple not postponing marriage because they can't afford the trip to the temple. This means so many things for so many people and it makes me so happy, I almost cry every time I think of it.

In addition to the temple, there will be a meeting house, a visitors' center, a family history center, and housing complex. Of course, it will be constructed of marble and have beautiful frescoes inside. While I'm sure there will be people who may think it will pale in comparison to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, I know this temple is more beautiful simply because of the saving ordinances.

This is a historic event. To have a temple in what the world deems the "center of Christianity" is a miracle. For so many years, there have been so many road blocks to getting the church into Italy and getting the country to recognize our church, our beliefs, and our members for the true value they hold. For so many years, missionaries and members have heard people say, "Well, missions to Europe are just about planting seeds" or "Don't expect people to be too open. It is Europe, after all." I never did believe that. I know the people of Italy and Europe need the gospel as much as the rest of the world and have been praying for this for decades. Having this temple here means we've finally made some progress with the people of Italy and Europe.  I am so grateful for this ground breaking and all that it means to the people of Italy. Someday, I will get to this temple.

To see what President Monson had to say about this historic event, click HERE.