Gospel Principles
Unit 8: Family Salvation
Chapter 40: Temple Work and Family History
Concept 4: Our Ancestors Need Our Help
"Mario Cannamela married Maria Vitta in 1882. They lived in Tripani, Italy, where they raised a family and shared many wonderful years together. Mario and Maria did not hear the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ during their lifetimes. They were not baptized. They did not have the opportunity to go to the temple and be sealed together as an eternal family. At death, their marriage ended.
Over a century later a great reunion took place. Descendants of Mario and Maria went to the Los Angeles Temple, where a great-grandson and his wife knelt at an altar and served as proxies for the sealing of Mario and Maria. Tears filled their eyes as they shared in Mario and Maria's joy.
Many of our ancestors are among those who died without hearing about the gospel while on the earth. They now live in the spirit world (see chapter 45, "The Postmortal Spirit World"). There they are taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who have accepted the gospel are waiting for the temple ordinances to be performed for them. As we perform these ordinances in the temple for our ancestors, we can share their joy. See also: Chapter 45: The Postmortal Spirit World, Gospel Principles Comments and Resources, Plan of Salvation: Spirit World
Discussion
How are baptism and other ordinances made available to our ancestors?"