Papua New Guineans React to Temple Site Groundbreaking

Hearts filled with gratitude lead to tears of joy as ground was broken for a new temple in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Thursday, 22 April 2023.

The following Church members, and a guest of the Church, shared their feelings about the groundbreaking event, and the prospect of a new temple being built in Port Moresby:

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"To say that I am grateful, that the temple would be built right here in my own country, and to say that I was grateful to be right here in Papua New Guinea and not just here, but a part of the program is an understatement! It was truly a very humbling experience for a glorious occasion,” said young single adult Pauline Coleman. “All I could think of was how grateful those who have passed on may have felt, as their spiritual presence permeated the event today, especially my grandmother whom I remember would pull me around to church when I was a little girl. I wasn't a member of the church then, but the feeling of being in the right place, with the right people gave me a feeling of 'Home' when I would attend church every Sunday. I also couldn't help but think of how the temple would bless my future family, and also Papua New Guinea as a whole. Most of my fellow Papua New Guineans do not really know what a glorious day today was for our country, but I know without a doubt, that they will feel of its gloriousness during the constructing of the temple and when the great day comes, for Its doors to be open for them. Heavenly Father truly is mindful of His children and is doing all He can for them to go home to Him."

Pauline Coleman, member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“I just felt so touched by the joy in the faces of the saints that came today. They’re just genuinely excited and delighted to have a House of the Lord here. I think it’s just such a great season of preparation, helping everyone get ready for the House of the Lord and be ready to enter it. What a blessing it’s going to be to the Church and I think to the whole nation of Papua New Guinea.”

Elder Peter F. Meurs, General Authority Seventy, Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“I’ve been assisting the Church for a long time now. It’s a great pleasure to come here and see the Church is still going strong and bringing stability after so many years – as well as being a beacon of light to the rest of Papua New Guinea.”

Mr Tauvasa Tanuvasa Chou-Lee, Solicitor-General, Papua New Guinea

“The temple groundbreaking is a beautiful occasion for members in Papua New Guinea. Never in my lifetime did I ever think I would see this. I’m so grateful. My children and posterity will be blessed because of this event.”

Sasa Zibe, member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I feel different coming here. Like, when you’re out in the world, it’s a different feeling. And when you come here, the music and everyone. . . It’s a different feeling. It’s overwhelming.”

Ana Liri, member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“It was wonderful. I felt a huge measure of happiness that washed over myself and everyone in attendance. I felt very blessed to take part, not just in the groundbreaking itself but also in preparation for the groundbreaking. I’m so happy for the Church and the people of Papua New Guinea.”

Ouhdin Lagaia, member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

See more on the Papua New Guinea temple groundbreaking here.