(This post was originally written in 2019.)
“High on the mountain top, a banner is unfurled . . . “
Over the years, I have watched many young women and their entourages arrive in limos to the Oakland Temple grounds. Shadowed by a professional photographer, girls have their photos taken for their quinceañeras using the Oakland Temple as a backdrop. A quinceanera is a Latin American Catholic tradition for girls when they reach the age of fifteen.
At first, I was taken aback by all the flashy opulence, the limousines, photographers, and large crowds. Ironically, Latter-day Saint (Mormon) brides often had to wait their turn for their own bridal photo ops due to the groups of Catholic girls.
(The above photo shows Joseline Garcia during a photo session with photographer Javier Urbina (Ray, Chavez, “San Jose Mercury News,” June, 2019).
One day, as I watched a particular photo session, I received a very distinct impression that these activities were tangible and symbolic pieces of evidence of the Oakland temple’s significance pertaining to Bay Area residents who are not members of our Latter-day Saint faith: This particular temple was truly a beacon in multiple and significant dimensions: It beckons. It calls. The statue of the trumpet blowing Angel Moroni (perched on the temple’s highest spire) exemplifies this clarion call to all who desire joy and peace. The article gives further insight:
It’s not just quinceaneras, said Tawn Gorbutt, a security officer at the temple. He patrols the temple’s grounds and said he sees people of all faiths and inclinations enjoying the space, from Ethiopian Coptic weddings, an orthodox Christian faith, to Tongan celebrants, first communions to birthday parties, graduates in caps and gowns to teens getting ready for prom”
(“San Jose Mercury News,” June, 2019).
Isn’t this wonderful? I’m so very happy and honored to be a part of this joyful commonality!
Can we, as individuals, become beacons for others?
Julie
Here’s a link to another article by the The Church News: