The Daily DeseretElder Gong Dedicates the Miraflores Guatemala City Temple
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The second temple in Guatemala City and fourth operating temple in the country was dedicated on October 11, with Elder Gerrit W. Gong highlighting three "miracles" of temple worship.
On Sunday, October 11, 2026, Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple. The Church Newsroom says it is the second temple in the capital and the fourth operating temple in Guatemala. A public open house ran from August 27 through September 12.
Who was there
Elder Gong presided, accompanied by his wife, Susan. Also participating were Elder Taylor G. Godoy, a General Authority Seventy, and his wife, Carol, along with Elder Gregorio E. Casillas of the Central America Area Presidency and his wife, Alma.
Three miracles of the temple
Elder Gong spoke warmly of Guatemala, which is known as the "Land of Eternal Spring," and compared that image to the lasting blessings offered in the house of the Lord. According to the Newsroom, he named three miracles that temples make possible:
- Temples are coming closer to more people. He invited members to take part in temple and family history work, because covenants made there bless both the living and those who have died.
- A closer relationship with God. He pointed to the inscription "Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord," and taught that everyone is welcome to come to the Savior there.
- Generations united. Sacred ordinances, he said, connect families on both sides of the veil and bring hope and comfort in hard times.
Elder Godoy also spoke, emphasizing that through Jesus Christ families can be united forever.
A member's story
Victoria Pineda, a local member, described how her faith grew after a chronic kidney disease diagnosis a little over a year ago. The Newsroom quotes her as saying that faith does not mean never feeling fear or sadness, and that for her it has meant continuing to trust the Lord when she does not know when an answer will come. She said the temple has helped her find peace.
The dedicatory prayer
In the dedicatory prayer, Elder Gong expressed gratitude for Jesus Christ, for temple ordinances and for the generations of faithful members whose sacrifices made the building possible. The Newsroom quotes him: "In this 'Land of Eternal Spring,' we are grateful for Jesus Christ, who offers eternal life."
Why it matters
Temple dedications are some of the Church's most visible milestones. This one adds a second temple in Guatemala City, according to the Newsroom. For official details on the temple and on why the Church builds them, the Newsroom points readers to temples.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
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