Notable quotes:
“On this radiant Easter morning my heart rejoices upon remembering the most marvelous, the most majestic and the most immeasurable act that has occurred in all of human history — the atoning sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ.”
“The gift of repentance is an expression of God’s kindness toward His children.”
“I can assure you that Christ is ever aware of the adversities we experience in mortality.”
Summary points:
- Jesus Christ is the caregiver of all souls.
- Repentance allows Christ’s followers to overcome sin and turn hearts to God.
- Even during periods of grief, the Savior’s arms are extended to all who seek Him
Talk summary:
By overcoming “the sting of physical and spiritual death,” Jesus Christ offers all the “glorious possibility” of eternal salvation.
“Jesus was the only Being capable of realizing this eternal and perfect sacrifice for all of us. He was chosen and foreordained in the Grand Council in heaven, even before the world was formed.”
Through Christ, His followers can experience “a mighty change of mind and heart” — bringing a fresh attitude toward God and life.
Allow Christ’s atonement to become “wholly effective” in one’s life.
“We will become free from the bondage of sin, find joy in our earthly journey and become eligible to receive eternal salvation, which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all who believe in Jesus Christ and come unto Him.”
The Savior also offers relief from mortal life’s afflictions, temptations and weaknesses. He understands all of the bitterness, physical pain and emotional and spiritual challenges one might face.
“He offers us comfort and assurance in difficult times … . I assure you that as we put our trust in Jesus Christ … we will enjoy the promises of our beloved Heavenly Father.”
In the news:
- In his native language, Elder Soares testified to Portuguese-speaking young adults on March 21 that drawing near to the Savior and trusting in His ordained servants remedies pandemics, economic hardships and all other tribulations.
- Elder Soares joined other Church leaders in offering a message of hope to Native American Latter-day Saints in a Feb. 26 devotional.
- During the Friend to Friend event for Primary children on Feb. 20, Elder Soares shared a story from his childhood to illustrate the importance of making covenants with God.
- He outlined the foundations and fruits of religious freedom during his opening keynote address at the DFW (Texas) Summit on Religious Freedom on Oct. 28, 2020.
About the speaker:
- Elder Ulisses Soares was sustained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on March 31, 2018.
- Born in São Paulo, Brazil, he is the first and only Apostle from South America to serve in the quorum. In August 2018, he went to Brazil on his first official visit since his call to the Twelve.
- Both Elder Soares and his wife, Sister Rosana Fernandez Soares, served in the Brazil Rio de Janeiro Mission. They began dating after their missions when they ran into each other at a stake dance. They have three children.
Recently on social:
- Elder Soares participated in the virtual Friend to Friend event for Primary-age children in February by recounting a story from his baptism as a young boy, and shared the video on his social media pages.
- As part of President Russell M. Nelson’s challenge to #GiveThanks in November, Elder Soares posted on social media expressing his gratitude for his family.
- On Nov. 6, Elder Soares wrote a social media post regarding the dignity of humankind and extended an invitation for all to take small actions each day that “add up to build social trust, strengthen friendship among society and ensure that we defend each other’s religious freedom.”
