Cultural Event Attendees Told to Make Córdoba Temple the “Light of Your Life”
Contributed By Jason Swensen, Church News staff writer
Young women perform the opening dance at the May 16, 2015, cultural event in Córdoba, Argentina. Photo by Jason Swensen.
Article Highlights
- President Uchtdorf challenged young people to write in their journals the many sweet memories and experiences of this dedicatory weekend.
- Live the gospel, “and you will not only have the sun in May, but throughout your life.”
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President Dieter F. Uchtdorf challenged almost 1,000 Argentine youth—along with their families and friends—to make “the light of the temple the light of your life” on Saturday, May 16.
It was a special weekend here for Latter-day Saints. On Sunday, President Uchtdorf, the Second Counselor in the First Presidency, dedicated the Córdoba Argentina Temple. It is the second such edifice in this South American nation that is rich in Church history.
While Sunday’s dedication was a quiet and sacred event, Saturday night was defined by festive music, traditional dances, and plenty of laughter and fun. An army of young people belonging to the stakes and districts that make up the new temple district staged a cultural event at the Orfeo indoor arena.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson and his wife, Sister Kathy Christofferson, also attended the celebration, along with the South America South Area Presidency and other General Authorities and local Church leaders.
In his brief remarks prior to the cultural event, President Uchtdorf passed along the love and support of President Thomas S. Monson.
Young Latter-day Saints enjoy performing together at May 16, 2015, cultural event in Córdoba, Argentina. Photo by Jason Swenson.
Young women perform opening dance at the May 16, 2015, cultural event in Córdoba, Argentina. Photo by Jason Swenson.
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Young people don traditional Argentina garb for a May 16, 2015, LDS cultural event in Córdoba. Photo by Jason Swenson.
Young Latter-day Saints in indigenous costumes perform a folk dance that pays homage to Argentina's indigenous past during the May 16, 2015, cultural event in Córdoba, Argentina. Photo by Jason Swenson.
“President Monson loves all the members of the Church—especially the young people,” he said.
President Uchtdorf challenged the young people to write in their journals the many sweet memories and experiences of this dedicatory weekend. “Use this weekend as a new beginning. Use this weekend as the beginning of your own legacy in life.”
The flag of Argentina, he noted, includes the “Sol de Mayo,” or May Sun, which references the country’s revolution for independence.
“But I like the Sol de Mayo for a different reason,” he said. “We are presently in May—and we have a light shining here in Córdoba, which is the temple. Take this new Sol de Mayo to shine in your life. Make this your legacy.”
Live the gospel, he concluded, “and you will not only have the sun in May, but throughout your life.”
The cultural event included a variety of colorful folk dances that told the story of Argentina’s indigenous history, its fight for independence, the legacy of countless immigrants, and, lastly, the ongoing emergence of the Church.
The night concluded with the entire cast unrolling a massive mural emblazoned with the image of the Córdoba Argentina Temple.
Young men perform popular Gaucho dance during cultural event in Córdoba, Argentina. Photo by Jason Swenson.
From left, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, and Sister Kathy Christofferson salute the cast members of the May 16, 2015, cultural event in Córdoba, Argentina. Photo by Jason Swenson.
Young people participate in a cultural program on the eve of the dedication of a new temple in Argentina. Photo by Jason Swenson.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf holds up his temple recommend and the “For the Strength of Youth” pamphlet during his opening remarks at the cultural event in Córdoba, Argentina.
