SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — The groundbreaking for Central America's second temple was described by leaders as a "glorious day" for the three countries in the temple district, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.
Held April 24 on an overcast, pleasantly cool day, the ceremony was under the direction of Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy and first counselor in the Central America Area, who presided and spoke. Accompanying him and also speaking was Elder Julio E. Alvarado of the Seventy, second counselor in the area presidency. Some 1,900 members gathered at the temple site, a property on the outskirts of San Jose near the airport.
In his address, Elder Robbins said that "The temple is a symbol of celestial living, and that our worthiness to enter the Lord's house here on earth is not a guarantee, but a good indicator of one day being able to enter His heavenly home. Conversely, he said, "common sense tells me that if we are not worthy to enter the House of the Lord here on earth, it is not very likely that we will be able to inherit His celestial mansions hereafter."
"It is important to be worthy to have a temple recommend," he emphasized. "For me, being worthy of a temple recommend is the clearest evidence we have that we are on the path that leads back to the presence of our Father in Heaven. It can be likened to the oil in the lamps of the five prudent virgins. Just as the foolish virgins were not able to obtain oil from the prudent, neither can a recommend be borrowed from someone the day the Bridegroom comes."
In his remarks, Elder Alvarado said that with the start of the temple, "We see how the Lord has extended His arm of mercy and is now bringing the blessings of the temple everywhere. You will have little time to prepare, because we hope the temple is ready in one year. So here is a great opportunity to prepare ourselves. Hurry up, and do it well."
He said that the groundbreaking ceremony is symbolic of the start of the project. As the temple is started, "A strong concrete foundation is needed to support the walls, beams and roof; likewise, I believe that today is a good time to strengthen our personal foundations of faith and of testimony, and prepare to become much stronger in the gospel."
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute, "because in this manner we are able to sacrifice and give our time and our resources to edify this beautiful House of the Lord."
