Mormons Begin Construction of New Temple in Catalonia

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has begun construction of a new temple in Sant-Cugat-del Vallès, Catalonia, approximately 20 kilometers from Barcelona. The first stone was laid on Saturday, marking the start of a project expected to be completed by 2029. The temple will occupy a 22,000 square metre site and will serve members in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, parts of the Valencian Community, and certain regions of southern France.

The new temple will be the first in Catalonia and the second in Spain, following the one in Madrid, which was inaugurated in 1999. It is intended to accommodate around 22,000 members of the Church in the region. Currently, some faithful must travel several hundred kilometers to reach the nearest temple, in Paris or Madrid. The Church claims nearly 72,000 members in Spain, organized into about 150 congregations.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as Mormons, emphasizes the importance of temples in its religious practice. While churches are open to the public for Sunday services and other worship activities, temples are reserved for special ceremonies, including weddings. Once consecrated, the Sant-Cugat temple will not be freely accessible to all, though the Church plans to host open days before its inauguration to allow the general public to visit.

The Church is a Christian denomination that originated in the United States in the 19th century. Its members believe in Jesus Christ and use both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, which they regard as another testament of Jesus Christ. The Church has millions of members worldwide and follows a code of conduct known as the “Word of Wisdom.” This code prohibits the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and caffeine, and encourages members to observe fasting and maintain chastity.

Another distinctive aspect of the Church is its emphasis on genealogy. Members are encouraged to research their family history and perform ordinances for deceased relatives, a practice known as “family history work.” This focus on preserving and strengthening family ties is a central part of the Church’s teachings and activities.

Source: Read the original report (translated from French)