Mormons are a religious and cultural group related to Mormonism, the principal branch of the Latter Day Saint movement started by Joseph Smith in upstate New York during the 1820s.
The presence of Mormons, or members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), in the Philippines has grown significantly since the mid-20th century.
As of 2023, there are approximately 867,271 members of the LDS Church in the Philippines, making it the country with the fourth-largest population of Latter-day Saints globally, behind the United States, Mexico, and Brazil.
Historical Overview
- Early Beginnings: The first Filipino to join the LDS Church was Aniceta Pabilona Fajardo in 1945, introduced by Maxine Grimm, a Red Cross worker. However, substantial missionary work did not commence until 1961, when the church received official recognition from the Philippine government. This marked a pivotal moment in the church’s history in the country, allowing for the establishment of a more organized missionary presence.
- Growth in Membership: By the end of the 1960s, the church had expanded its reach to eight major islands, and by 1973, the first stake (a group of congregations) was organized in Manila. The first temple in the Philippines was dedicated in 1984, further solidifying the church’s presence. Membership continued to grow rapidly, surpassing 250,000 by the 1990s.
- Current Structure: As of now, the LDS Church operates 128 stakes and 1,296 congregations across the Philippines. There are currently three temples in operation, with additional temples announced or under construction.
Famous Philippine Mormons
Notable Filipino members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) include:
- Lani Misalucha: A celebrated singer known as “Asia’s Nightingale,” she gained fame for her powerful vocals and has performed internationally.
- Augusto A. Lim: Recognized as the first Filipino general authority in the LDS Church, he was called to the Second Quorum of the Seventy in 1992.
- Jairus Aquino: A popular Filipino actor known for his roles in various television series, including “Super Inggo” and “Kung Fu Kids.”
- Xia Vigor: A young Filipina actress who gained fame as a child star, known for her appearances on television and in various entertainment projects.
KAHULUGAN SA TAGALOG
Mórmon: kasapi ng Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, kilusang milenaryo na itinatag sa New York
