When the first missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints arrived in Philippines shores in 1898, they did not know if the country would accept the restored gospel that they preached. However, just a few decades later in 1961, the Church firmly established itself in the country, quickly expanding and becoming an integral part in nation building. Through their efforts and collaboration with the local government via their humanitarian arm, many emergency responses, sanitation programs, and medical aid were able to reach even the most vulnerable members of the population, providing a comforting presence in their lives.
Last May 20, 2021 marked the 60th anniversary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Philippines, which also coincided with the 500th anniversary of Catholicism in the country. Because of COVID restrictions, this celebration was held online via the Church’s official Facebook and Youtube page. As part of the celebration, the Church and its members were given a marble statue depicting the First Vision, in which Joseph Smith at age fourteen received a vision from God in the spring of 1820.
For the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the First Vision is, as Elder Taniela Wakolo, the president of the Philippine Area of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, stated, “an event of preeminent importance.” For them, it marked the “opening of the final chapter of mankind before the second coming of Jesus Christ” and “ushered in the restoration of the gospel.”
“Joseph Smith’s humble prayer led to the restoration of gospel truths, priesthood authority and restoring ordinances. His first vision blesses each of our personal lives, the lives of families, and our whole human family, because through it we come to know and come to believe in our savior Jesus Christ. Through the testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith, the testimonies of all the prophets and Apostles declared throughout the history of mankind, and the divine manifestations have been confirmed. The savior spoke to Joseph Smith for the purpose of blessing all of God’s children with mercy and love, even during times of uncertainty and insecurities,” he said.
Also in attendance at the event was Elder Steven Bangerter,First Counselor for the Church, and guests from the government and other faith communities such as Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Chairman Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso of the National Commission of the Culture and Arts, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista, Rev. Fr. Carlos Reyes, Minister for ecumenical and interfaith affairs of the Archdiocese of Manila., and Senator Bong Go. Undersecretary Robert Borje, Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs of the Office of the President, BGEN Raul S. Cino CHS, Chief of Chaplain Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and BGEN Rodylyn “Cherrisse” Manzano, Chairman of the Naval Reserve Command Multisectoral Linkaging Committee of the Philippine Navy and Philippine Marines were also present in the festivities.
Each of them offered their congratulations to the Church, albeit via an online video call. Moreover, they also affirmed the importance of faith and service during challenging times, highlighting how the Church served as a beacon of hope during its sixty years of existence, most notably during the pandemic.
“Six decades of steadfastness in your mission to spread the light and give service to the poor are testaments of God’s presence in our lives,” said Mayor Belmonte.
“We immensely appreciate your missionary work that strengthens our nation, among them are the support for the vaccination jabs, your donations of PPES, masks and hygiene kits as well as signature programs that provide relief and comfort to millions of FIlipinos over the years,” she added.
“Delivering the much needed supplies has become a challenge in the pandemic, but because of givers like you, the burden has become lighter for us. Indeed, by working together we can hurdle all obstacles,” said Secretary Bautista.
In addition to offering their congratulations and gratitude, the speakers also highlighted the importance of the First Vision statue, stating that it is a symbol of what humanity can achieve when they listen and actively seek for the Word of God.
As Chairman Lizaso said during his speech: “This sculpture represents the deep spirituality and values of our brothers and sisters in the church since their very first mission in the Philippines. This celebration of faith serves as a reminder to all our brothers and sisters around the country of the opportunities for service to millions of others that lie in the simplest application of spiritual wisdom, devoted ministry and warm good will towards all people,”
4 comments
Congratulations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
Congratulations to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
We are so grateful for the warm greetings and for our friends of other faiths who celebrated this occasion with us. Truly we are one in our hope and united in prayer for healing, peace, and a better tomorrow. Together, we can. Thank you, Ms. Ching and Business Mirror, for this feature. More power!
Simply thankful.