Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, marking the completion of the fourth operating temple in Guatemala. The ceremony, which took place in Guatemala City, followed a period of public tours and serves as the second temple for the nation's capital.
Spiritual Significance of the Temple
During the dedication ceremony, Elder Gong described the temple as a place where members can draw closer to Jesus Christ through sacred ordinances and covenants. He compared Guatemala, often called the "Land of Eternal Spring," to the eternal blessings found within the house of the Lord. The Apostle shared three specific miracles associated with the temple, noting that the Lord is bringing His temples closer to more people than ever before.
Elder Gong also emphasized that the temple provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships with God and receive divine help. He noted that the phrase "Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord" is inscribed on the building. Additionally, he taught that sacred ordinances unite generations, allowing families to receive blessings on both sides of the veil and providing hope during life's challenges.
Dignitaries at the Ceremony
The dedication was attended by several high-ranking officials of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Elder Gong's wife, Susan Gong. Also present were Elder Taylor G. Godoy, a General Authority Seventy, and his wife, Carol Godoy, along with Elder Gregorio E. Casillas of the Central America Area Presidency and his wife, Alma Casillas.
Elder Godoy also addressed the congregation, emphasizing how the house of the Lord would bring blessings to the members of Guatemala. He reminded those in attendance that families can remain united forever through the eternal purpose of temple ordinances made through Jesus Christ.
A History of Construction
The Miraflores temple was officially announced by President Russell M. Nelson on Oct. 4, 2020, during the October 2020 general conference. The project reached a major milestone on Dec. 3, 2022, when a groundbreaking ceremony was held, presided over by Elder Patricio M. Giuffra, who was then the second counselor in the Central America Area presidency.
During that 2022 groundbreaking, Rogelia Morán, a Church pioneer from Chimaltenango, addressed the congregation to express her gratitude for the new construction. In his dedicatory prayer for the site, Elder Giuffra prayed in Spanish that neighbors and passersby would feel the influence of the Spirit and feel a desire to know more about the sacred building.
Architecture and Public Access
The temple is a two-story structure spanning approximately 30,000 square feet, situated on a 1.5-acre site. A notable feature of the temple's design is the inclusion of motifs inspired by the monja blanca, Guatemala's national flower. The "white nun orchid" is used as a symbol of peace, resilience, beauty, and spiritual calm, with its shape—resembling a nun in prayer wrapped in a white robe—reflected in the staircase railings.
Before its dedication, the temple was open to the public for tours from Aug. 27 through Sept. 12, 2026. This open house followed a media day held on Aug. 24, 2026, and invited-guest tours conducted on Aug. 25 and 26, 2026. The temple's dedication on Oct. 11 coincided with the dedication of the Ephraim Utah Temple, which was presided over by Elder Ronald A. Rasband.
Temple Expansion in Guatemala
The Miraflores temple joins three other operating temples in Guatemala: one in Guatemala City dedicated in 1984, one in Quetzaltenango dedicated in 2011, and one in Cobán dedicated in 2024. Another temple, the Huehuetenango temple, has been under construction since its groundbreaking in March 2026, while a temple in Retalhuleu is currently in the planning stages following an announcement in April 2023.
Latter-day Saint presence in Guatemala has grown significantly since the first missionaries arrived in the country in 1947. Following the creation of the Central American Mission in 1952, with its headquarters in Guatemala City, the Church has expanded to include more than 301,000 members living across nearly 440 wards and branches in the country.
Community Impact
Local members expressed the personal impact of the temple's presence. Victoria Pineda, a local member, shared that her faith was strengthened after being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease a little over a year ago. Pineda stated that while she continues to wait for a miracle, the temple has helped her find peace and trust in the Lord despite the uncertainty of her condition.
