Each year on May 15, the International Day of Families is observed worldwide, a date that encourages reflection on the fundamental role of the family in people’s lives and in strengthening society.
The Church teaches that the family is central to God’s plan. In “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” it states: “The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.” This principle guides many Latter-day Saint families in Central America as they seek to strengthen their homes and their faith in Jesus Christ.
Families across the region shared what living the gospel at home means to them and how their families can be a source of strength and hope.
In Belize, the López family from the Cayo District shared, “Our family is important because it is where we feel safe and loved.”
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López Family, Cayo District, Belize. International Day of Families. Belmopan, Belize, May 15, 2026.2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.In San Marcos, Guatemala, the Orozco Pinot family described the home as the place where the most meaningful relationships are formed. “Our family is the place where we first learned to give and receive love. It is our refuge and our motivation to move forward.”
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Orozco Pinot Family, San Pedro Stake, San Marcos, Guatemala. International Day of Families. Belmopan, Belize, May 15, 2026.2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.In El Salvador, the Lozano family spoke of the eternal perspective they find in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “Our family is the greatest treasure we have. It is a blessing to know the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because we know our family can be eternal.”
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Lozano Family, Usulután Stake, El Salvador. International Day of Families. Belmopan, Belize, May 15, 2026.2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.In Honduras, the Díaz Montalva family emphasized the hope found in the promise of eternal families. “Our family motivates us each day to strive to follow Christ,” they shared.
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Díaz Montalva Family, La Lima Stake, Honduras. International Day of Families. Belmopan, Belize, May 15, 2026.2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.In Nicaragua, the Ramos Huete family described their home as a place of peace and protection. “We see our home as a small piece of heaven on earth — a safe refuge where we find peace, love and comfort. We hope our daughter will always remember the value of spending meaningful time together as a family.”
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Ramos Huete Family, León Stake, Nicaragua. International Day of Families. Belmopan, Belize, May 15, 2026.2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.In Costa Rica, the Ureña Hernández family expressed gratitude for their blessings. “Our family is our greatest treasure — the most wonderful gift Heavenly Father has given us. We are grateful to know we can be together for eternity.”
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Ureña Hernández Family, La Paz Stake, Costa Rica. International Day of Families. Belmopan, Belize, May 15, 2026.2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.In Panama, the Rosen Tocamo family shared a simple reflection: “Our family is a center of love, joy, learning and unity. It is our safe place where we feel peace and happiness.”
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Rosen Tocamo Family, La Chorrera Stake, Panama. International Day of Families. Belmopan, Belize, May 15, 2026.2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, strengthening family relationships, nurturing faith at home, and living principles such as prayer, service and love are efforts that reach beyond this life.