I wanted to blog about the temple in Rome. I served my mission there from the fall of 2003 to the spring of 2005. I love Italy, I absolutely LOVE it! I feel so privileged that I was able to serve my mission there. I learned a lot about myself, the gospel and the Italians. They are such a loving and open people. While I was there, there was talk of a temple and how we were close, but it didn't seem like it would happen for a while.
In the October 2008 general conference, President Monson announced that there would be a temple built in Rome! As soon as I heard that, tears came to my eyes. What a blessing for the Italian people! They currently have to travel to Switzerland to attend the temple. And of all the countries that go to the Switzerland temple, the Italians are the most frequent visitors. For some of these members who live in Southern Italy, it's like a 2 day trip. Members who live on the island of Sardegna, have to take a ferry to the mainland, which is a 16 hour trip. They they travel a day or two to get to Switzerland. There's a lot of sacrifice involved for them to go to the temple. Now to think that they will have one in their own country is so awesome and wonderful! There are so many faithful saints in Italy.
The church has actually had the land for a temple for a long time. When I arrived in Italy, we were taken to the site, which is an old farm land, complete with an olive grove. We were able to walk around and imagine the day when Italy would have a temple! And now it's here.
The groundbreaking for the temple was today. President Monson flew to Italy to preside over it. Here is a video of what the temple will look like. There will also be a stake center, a visitor's center and an arrival center (a place to stay, for those coming long distances). It just makes me so happy that I was able to play a small part in helping to get a temple in Italy. Italy, of all places! I watched this video this morning and just started crying. :)
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