“São Paulo State Legislature Pays Tribute to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”

Yesterday morning, May 18th, the state legislature of São Paulo called a special session to pay tribute to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to recognize the Church’s efforts to strengthen families, its humanitarian aid programs, and its “Helping Hands” community service projects.

The solemn assembly was called and presided over by Deputy Chico Sardelli, with various public officials and religious leaders in attendance, among them: Elder Stanley G. Ellis of the Brazil Area Presidency, who represented the Church leadership; Councilman and teacher, Professor Marcos Cintra, currently serving as Labor Secretary for the City of São Paulo; as well as many councilmen from neighboring cities, state representatives, legislative assistants, Area Seventies, and Stake Presidents.

A band from the São Paulo State Military Police opened the session by playing the Brazilian National Anthem. Several elected officials then spoke on record to praise the Church. Among them was Secretary Marcos Cintra who noted: “I’m not a member of the Church, but I have known and respected the Church for more than 15 years. I have friends who are members. They are admirable people. One in particular I remember was Elder James E. Faust, who served as an apostle and left an indelible mark on Brazil.” (It should be noted that in 1996, Mr. Cintra worked with the city council to award Elder Faust the title of “Honorary Citizen of São Paulo.”) Cintra went on to say, “This is a people who show their love of Christ through their actions. They really live their religion.”

During the session, Maria José Ribes, the Public Affairs Director for the São Paulo Multi-stake Public Affairs Council, recounted and showed some of the Helping Hands projects in word and video clips. After her remarks, an ninety-voice choir of missionaries—Elders and Sisters—from the MTC (Brazil’s Missionary Training Center) presented two musical numbers which touched the hearts of those assembled. Many were visibly moved by the missionary spirit as they sang, and tears were shed. President Afrodízio Nascimento, of São Paulo’s Parque Pinheiros Stake, was in attendance and summed up his feelings in just a few words: “I was really moved. I felt the Spirit very strongly. It was incredible.”

As the session drew to a close, Elder Stanley G. Ellis, 2nd Counselor in the Brazil Area Presidency, took the stand. In the name of the Church, he officially thanked the legislature for the tribute. He went on to remind those present of the strength of the Church of Jesus Christ in the state of São Paulo: “This is where Latin America’s very first stake was organized, and the very first temple in Latin America was built. In Brazil today there are more than 1,100,000 members, with nearly 300,000 of them in this state alone.” He recalled the Church’s efforts to strengthen families. He emphasized the teachings centered in Jesus Christ, the Savior. He testified of the truth of the Restored Gospel. With great emotion he concluded by expressing his love for Brazil and its people.

At the conclusion of his remarks, Deputy Chico Sardelli presented Elder Ellis with an official plaque, commemorating the occasion. Sister Ellis, representing the women of the Church, was presented with a gift of flowers. Elder Fernando Araújo, Area Seventy, who accompanied them, also received a plaque in gratitude for the many Helping Hands projects of the Church.

One not-to-be-forgotten moment was vocalist Suellen Yamaguchi, as she sang “Suas Mãos” (“His Hands”) while images of Christ’s ministry were projected on the screen behind her.

Deputy Chico Sardelli brought the session to a close by emphasizing the Church’s role in society: “What we have witnessed here today shows a part of that great work. I must confess that I’m very happy. I fear God and I try to do what’s right. Today I’ve learned even more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” He then turned to Elder Ellis, and said, “Thank you, Elder Ellis. In the name of this legislative body I thank the Church of Jesus Christ for the services you’ve rendered. And finally, I announce that I have introduced legislation to recognize the 23rd of September of each year as “Day of THE FAMILY: A Proclamation to the World.” In gratitude, Elder Ellis presented Mr. Sardelli with some literature about the Church, a Tabernacle Choir CD, and a framed print of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” Elder Araújo presented the same gifts to Secretary Marcos Cintra. Each of the legislators also received copies of “The Family,” “The Living Christ,” and the Articles of Faith—suitable for framing.

As those attending the session left the legislative chambers, they passed through the hall of monuments. There they were greeted by some missionaries from the Brazil São Paulo South Mission with information about the Church, as well as by several volunteers who were wearing the distinctive yellow Helping Hands vests.

The event was covered by official state media. Before the session, Elder Stanley G. Ellis was interviewed by reporters from TV Assembleia (Legislature TV channel).

capital performance

We took 90 missionaries to the state capital to sing (see following write up) We had 20 sisters and 70 elders. Sixty four of the missionaries were from the United States and 26 were from Brazil.

Originally they had asked for a 40 missionary choir to come and sing--one bus load. But I felt like this did not really represent our choir. We are not trained singers and the hallmark of our choir is the spirit with which we sing. I asked if Vernon and I could pay to bring a second bus load. The CTM director felt like if we took that many missionaries they would not have to have some teachers come and could give them the day off. This would enable them to have the money for an extra bus. I was elated but then I still had to leave many behind that wanted to come. It was great news but it also was the saddest day ever that I have had at the mission. I felt like I was going out West and leaving some of my children behind.

We sang two numbers. An arrangement of "Love is Spoken Here" combined with "Love at Home" that one of the new missionaries suggested. Then we sang the choir arrangement of Sally DeFord's beautify piece "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" that she wrote for her daughter when she was baptised.
Irmao (brother) Lopez one of the teachers lead the choir and Sister Summerhays played the Flute. Elder Lopez had forgot his music so at first we thought Sister Summer hays would have to play with her back to the audience. I had brought extra copies of the music so she ended up sitting down on the second row of seats and taped her music to the chair backs of the first row.

We had three practices. Friday and Saturday night from 8:00 to 9:30 and then had a seating assignment practice at 5:30 on Sunday. For our regular Sunday Fireside performance we sang "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" we invited everyone that wanted to to sing to join the choir and had 130 missionaries sing that evening. The choir was exceptional that evening.

Sister Gibson played the keyboard which was difficult because of the way they had the sound system hocked up. She could not hear herself play. She has been a blessing for us. She site reads wonderfully well and is ready and willing to help us out in a moments notice.

I forgot to load the music stands on the bus so I held the music for the violinist. Elder Moss brought his own violin and Elder Cleghorn had a Celtic jazz band in Texas and together they were terrific.

We had time to run through each song once before the guests all arrived. I was especially pleased that the president got to hear both numbers because Vernon had to take the President and Sister Woodward to the airport before the choir sang.

There did not seem to be much concern that the meeting did not start on time. The meeting did not begin until about 10:30 (a half hour late)

By the time the meeting did start the whole lower level was full.

They had several speakers and the meeting was televised. The missionaries were so excited to be on Brazil's equivalent of c-span. The meeting organizers asked the missionaries to stay in their seats until everyone had left the hall.

There was a display in the lobby. When we did leave I was stressing out because the missionaries started mingling with the crowds. I did not think we would ever get them back on the buses. We finally got all the missionaries on board and made it back to MTC in record time. I was relieved when the last missionary signed in. The missionaries loved the experience!

Cathedrals all over Sao Paulo

We could see this cathedral from the freeway on our way home from many of our P-day activities. We kept talking about trying to find it and finally did. The day was over cast and eventually started raining.

Graffiti is everywhere in Sao Paulo and it is sad to see it all over the base of this beautiful structure.

The architecture of these cathedrals are wonderful

Grandpa/Vernon is the one that finds these terrific places for us to visit on our p-days

This dog had found a nice dry spot right next to the front door of the cathedral. He stayed there the whole time we were visiting the church.

The humidity is high in Sao Paulo and rains a lot. Many times it sounds and looks like someone has turned on the shower when it rains, but today it only was only a lite shower.

There was no electric light on in the cathedral so I had to add fill light to the photos so you could see anything in the picture. The color was quit vivid but the photo looks washed out.

The tile floors were beautiful

The wedding decorator was in the cathedral when we were there. He told us that this dove represented the Holy Ghost. He also told us that they have weddings every weekend. They fill the cathedral with flowers. He said that the different families go in together to pay for the flowers. He also said that they will have a wedding every forty-five minutes.

Sculptures were throughout the cathedral

and ever wall had paintings representing the life of Christ

Every window was stained glass.

there seemed to be at least a hundred.

This is a shot is of the neighborhood right across the street from the front of the cathedral.

A charming outdoor restaurant is also right across from the cathedral where we were able to park