The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Teresina Brazil Temple on April 18 in Teresina, Brazil. Elder Ciro Schmeil of the Brazil Area Presidency presided over the event and offered a dedicatory prayer at the future site.
The ceremony marks a significant moment for local members, who have long awaited a temple in their region. The temple is considered by members to be a sacred place where important religious ceremonies are performed. According to the official website, the Church uses temples as venues for ordinances and covenants and promotes eternal families through these rites according to the official website.
During his remarks, Schmeil said, “We are thankful, Father, that we have access to temple covenants that teach us about our divine identity, that we are Your children, and that the Lord has a plan for each of us.” He also stated, “The role of the temple is to connect us with the Savior Jesus Christ, because without Him we cannot return to live in the presence of our Heavenly Father.”
Roberto Andrade reflected on his experience as one of Teresina’s first church members: “In 1984, we started practically from nothing, and today having the blessing of seeing the temple here is wonderful. I was there with six other people. From that simple beginning to this great moment…seeing the groundbreaking for the temple here in Teresina is a source of great happiness.” Theresa Rachel Mendes shared her perspective as someone who joined at age sixteen: “The temple has great meaning and power for me…I taught and continue to teach my children about…the power of covenants made in that holy place.”
President Russell M. Nelson announced plans for this new temple in April 2023. At that time he said: “Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in life and teachings of Jesus Christ…Jesus Christ is the reason we build temples. Each is His holy house.” The Church emphasizes Jesus Christ as central to its faith according to its official website.
Brazil has more than 1.5 million Latter-day Saints meeting across approximately 2,000 congregations; globally there are over 17 million members spanning more than 160 nations according to official data. Local congregations are managed by volunteer leaders serving limited terms without pay as reported by church sources. The Church itself is overseen by senior authorities including its First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles who seek divine guidance according to church information.
With several other temples under construction or announced throughout Brazil—including Belo Horizonte and Natal—the addition in Teresina signals continued growth within both local communities and among global membership.
