Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had the “great privilege” this week of accepting the “highest award” the Legislative Assembly of the State of São Paulo in Brazil can give, the apostle wrote Wednesday on X and his other social media accounts.
Elder Soares, a native of the state, accepted the state’s merit award — known in São Paulo as the Colar de Honra ao Mérito Legislativo — on behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“This honor recognizes the 100-year anniversary (celebrated last year) of the preaching of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in South America,” Elder Soares wrote in his post, which was accompanied by a video of him accepting the award in Brazil.
It also recognizes the humanitarian work carried out by the church in the state, he said.
“I want to thank the members of the (Church of Jesus Christ) in Brazil who give of their time to bless the lives of people in Brazil,” he said. “Because of their faith in Jesus Christ, they love God and love their neighbor. That is what this recognition represents.”
The state’s merit award is given by state deputies to individuals or institutions that have contributed significant service to the people and state of São Paulo.
Praising the efforts of Latter-day Saints and other volunteers as he accepted the award, Elder Soares said in Portuguese: “My beloved friends, these actions truly reflect the teachings of the Savior. …
“We accept this honor with Christian humility and profound institutional respect. … May we continue serving with integrity, dialoguing with respect and, together, building a more fraternal, just and peaceful society.”
São Paulo Gov. Tarcísio de Freitas has been a friend of the Church of Jesus Christ for multiple years and has participated in several of its local events and activities. In August 2024, he and his wife received the visit of church representatives in Brazil.
During their visit, Freitas and his wife expressed their gratitude for the church and its members for being actively involved in various humanitarian projects across the state.
“Everything you do is incredible,” Freitas said then to the church’s representatives in Brazil. “Thank you very much.”
Elder Soares similarly met with government officials in Brazil during his five-day ministry to the South American country last November.
The governor of Paraná, Brazil, is “very interested in working with the church and in blessing the lives of the people of his state,” the apostle said after meeting with Paraná Gov. Carlos Massa Ratinho Júnior and other government officials in November.
“We have found a good environment in which to share the love of the Savior through our humanitarian projects.”
Also during his November visit, Elder Soares and his wife, Sister Rosana Soares, met with Amigos do Bem to present the nonprofit organization with a financial donation from the church. They also ministered to members and missionaries of the church in Brazil.
“The people of Brazil are very faithful, and they connect with the Savior, Jesus Christ, easily,” Elder Soares said then. “It is wonderful to see the blessings the Lord has poured upon these people and upon this country.”
Learn more about the church’s humanitarian efforts in Brazil and other countries worldwide here.