Stakes and District in San Pablo Mission Join Global RootsTech 2026 Family Disc

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Members and families from four stakes and one district in the San Pablo Philippines Mission joined the global RootsTech 2026 Family Discovery Day, participating online in what is recognized as the world’s largest family discovery event.

Leaders, members and families from the Sta. Rosa Philippines Stake, Lopez Philippines Stake, Sta. Cruz Philippines Stake, Calamba Philippines Stake, and the Sta. Cruz Marinduque District gathered in homes and meetinghouses to watch the broadcast and reflect on the importance of family history and temple work.

Participants tuned in to messages from Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Melanie Rasband, who invited viewers around the world to come unto Jesus Christ by discovering their ancestors and strengthening family connections that extend beyond this life.

Family Discovery Day is a free global event held annually in connection with RootsTech and is open to anyone interested in learning more about family history, genealogy and connecting generations.

Strengthening Faith Through Family History

Members who participated shared how the messages inspired them to reflect on the role of family history in strengthening faith and building a lasting legacy of discipleship.

Sister Lieza J. Richardson of the Sta. Cruz Marinduque District said the messages reminded her of the blessings of temples and sacred ordinances.

“Our humble sacrifices are more than a donation. By living true to our commitment to Jesus Christ, we add our own link to our growing legacy of discipleship,” Richardson said. “I am deeply grateful for temples, ordinances and family history work, and for Heavenly Father’s plan centered on eternal families.”

One sister also shared how learning about family history strengthened her appreciation for the faith of earlier generations.

“Our family is grateful to our ancestors and pioneers,” she said. “Family history reminds us that families are central to the gospel of Jesus Christ and to Heavenly Father’s plan. Through temple covenants and ordinances, families can be blessed not only in this life but through eternity.”

Faith Passed from Generation to Generation

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For many participants, the event highlighted the importance of preserving family stories and honoring the faith of previous generations.

Members of the Canole family from the Cabuyao 2nd Ward in the Sta. Rosa Philippines Stake reflected on the enduring influence of faithful parents and ancestors. They shared a message inspired by the words of M. Russell Ballard:

“Our faith is not ours alone; it is passed from generation to generation.”

They added that they feel deeply grateful for the devotion and example of their parents.

“We are truly blessed because of the faith of our parents. Through their devotion and example, we have received the gospel and continue to enjoy its many blessings. It is difficult to imagine our lives without the light and guidance it brings,” the family shared.

“May we show our gratitude to them and to the Lord by strengthening our own faith and by helping move forward this great and wonderful work.”

Creating a Legacy for Future Generations

Other participants reflected on how family history work strengthens relationships not only with ancestors but also among living family members.

The Meñolas family from the Cabuyao 2nd Ward shared that family history includes creating meaningful memories today that will inspire future generations.

“Family history is not just about our ancestors who have passed on,” the family shared. “It is also about our living family members who share life’s joyful and difficult moments with us. As we create memories today, future generations will appreciate how we faced challenges and nurtured our families in faith.”

Members of the Tenerife family also shared how they gathered relatives—including those who are not members of the Church—to watch the broadcast together during a family gathering.

“Despite a busy family occasion, we gathered our sisters and younger family members to listen,” they said. “It helped them understand how families can be connected not only in this life but in the life to come.”

A Worldwide Invitation

RootsTech continues to unite millions of participants worldwide who share a desire to discover their family stories and strengthen connections across generations.

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, family history work is closely connected to temple worship and the belief that family relationships can continue beyond death.

As members across the San Pablo Mission joined the global event online, they reaffirmed their commitment to discovering their ancestors, strengthening their families and helping unite generations through faith in Jesus Christ.