Elder Alliaud counsels young Latter-day Saints gathered in Rome to seek God’s light

Seeking understanding and assurance from God will lead to guidance and hope, Elder Rubén V. Alliaud said during the EuroSeminar in Rome. Sixty young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered 9-12 August 2023 online and at the Rome Templ

e Piazza to engage in discussions with scholars and each other.

“Focus on the positive. Spend time in devotion and prayer to learn what God would have you do,” Elder Alliaud urged his audience. “You’re beams of light. You’re children of God. These are not just catchy phrases,” he added.

“Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. He’s the light of the world. He loves you. Trust him, follow him,” he concluded during a devotional on the final evening of the seminar.

Elder Alliaud serves as First Counselor in the Europe Central Area presidency. He is a native of Buenos Aires and pursued a legal and scholarly career before being called to full-time ministry as general authority for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The theme of the seminar “A Perfect Brightness of Hope” stems from a passage in the Book of Mormon. In presentations and discussion groups, participants considered means to make a difference in communities and in the world.

Seminar sessions focused on climate change, environmental stewardship, humanitarian service, peace building, interfaith dialogue, mentoring, as well the history and future of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Europe.

One presenter quoted from the Church’s scriptural canon: “Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.”

Young academics from around Europe and beyond received counsel to carefully listen, overcome biases and prejudices, be well-informed on current affairs, become civically engaged, join with others to serve people in need, and trust in Jesus Christ as the Saviour and hope of the world.

The Stirling Foundation is one of the main sponsors of EuroSeminar. The purpose of the seminar is to provide opportunities to young Latter-day Saint academics to network, be spiritually uplifted, challenged, and inspired to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. This mission is carried out by an advisory board of experienced scholars and an executive committee, consisting of alumni of previous EuroSeminars.

The face-to-face EuroSeminar is an annual event, attended by young academics who particularly live in a diversity of European nations. Hundreds of Latter-day Saints have participated in these gatherings over the years. EuroSeminar also sponsors regular video conferences on a variety of topics.