On Friday, 31 July 2026, the Temple of Solomon in São Paulo, Brazil, celebrated 12 years since its official inauguration.
Since opening its doors on 31 July 2014, the Temple has welcomed millions of visitors from Brazil and around the world. For many, it has become a place to seek God, strengthen their faith, pray for their families and pursue a new beginning.
Throughout those 12 years, the purpose of the Temple has remained unchanged: to serve as a House of Prayer for all nations, open to people from different backgrounds who desire to seek God.
As the Temple marked this significant anniversary, 2026 had already brought a series of memorable gatherings centred on prayer, faith, biblical teaching, young people, families and spiritual growth.
Here are some of the highlights.
2026 began in prayer
Thousands chose to begin the year in the presence of God during the New Year’s Eve Night Vigil of the Power of Prayer.
Around 18,000 people gathered at the Temple as the final hours of 2025 gave way to the beginning of 2026.
The evening began on the Esplanade with Templo in Concert, featuring the Temple Choir, accompanied by an orchestra, as well as the Children’s Biblical Centre choir and Israeli guest singer Daniel Barzilay.
At 10 PM, Bishop Renato Cardoso began the vigil with moments of prayer and spiritual reflection. Before midnight, those present took part in the Lord’s Supper, dedicating the year ahead to God.
It was a fitting beginning to a year that would continue to bring thousands of people to the Temple in search of spiritual renewal.
Thousands attended the Bible Knowledge Fair
The first weekend of January also brought together teenagers and their families for the Bible Knowledge Fair, organised by the Universal Teen Force.
Held on 3 and 4 January, the event welcomed around 11,000 people at the Temple of Solomon over the two days.
Through interactive exhibitions, biblical themes, music, cultural activities and opportunities for reflection, young people were encouraged to deepen their knowledge of Scripture and strengthen their relationship with God.
Rather than presenting Bible study only in a traditional format, the fair used creative and interactive experiences to make biblical lessons accessible to teenagers and their families.
Eternal Waves brings young people together
Just days later, on 10 January, the Temple’s Esplanade welcomed another major youth gathering: the fifth edition of the Universal Youth Force Luau, “Eternal Waves.”
More than 160,000 young people participated across Brazil, while more than 15,000 joined internationally.
In São Paulo, young people from throughout the capital and Greater São Paulo gathered at the Temple for an afternoon focused on faith, purpose and the importance of prioritising what is eternal.
The gathering took place simultaneously across all 26 Brazilian states, the Federal District and four other countries, demonstrating the international reach of the youth movement.
Visitors from 17 countries deepen their faith
In March, the Temple welcomed participants from across Latin America and beyond for the course Diving into the Paths of Faith.
From 5 to 9 March, more than 260 participants representing 17 countries took part in the programme.
They travelled from countries including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, the United States, Ecuador, Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Nicaragua.
Although they came from different cultures and backgrounds, they shared the same objective: to strengthen their faith and gain a deeper understanding of biblical teachings.
During the course, participants explored areas within the Temple and studied their biblical and historical significance, connecting those lessons with practical applications for their spiritual lives.
More than 200 couples celebrate marriage
On 30 April, the Temple hosted the 16th Wedding Celebration, an event dedicated to marriage and the importance of establishing a covenant before God.
More than 200 couples participated at the Temple of Solomon, while the celebration brought together more than 15,000 couples across Brazil and other countries.
The São Paulo ceremony included a special moment at the Biblical Garden Memorial, where couples signed their marriage records before entering the Sanctuary.
Renato and Cristiane Cardoso took part in the celebration, which also featured performances by the Temple of Solomon Choir and Banda Universos.
Beyond the ceremony itself, the occasion emphasised that a lasting marriage is not built only on feelings or celebration, but on commitment and a covenant with God.
Around 2,000 attend the relaunch of Nothing to Lose
On 19 July, approximately 2,000 people gathered at the Temple for a special event marking the relaunch of Nothing to Lose – Volume 1: Moments of Conviction That Changed My Life, by Bishop Edir Macedo.
Visitors were able to purchase copies of the new edition, have books signed by bishops from the Temple and explore an immersive exhibition highlighting moments from the life and ministry of Bishop Macedo.
The exhibition included photographs, displays explaining parts of his journey and an area where visitors could receive a printed photograph as a souvenir.
The new edition of the book features an updated design, editorial revisions and a new foreword by Cristiane Cardoso.
12 years as a House of Prayer
The anniversary on 31 July was more than a celebration of a building.
For 12 years, the Temple has remained a place where people have come with prayers, struggles, questions and hopes, seeking an encounter with God.
To mark the anniversary, 12 bishops took part in a special prayer, representing the 12 disciples chosen by Jesus.
The prayer was held as part of a special purpose for those seeking freedom from destructive patterns that appeared to repeat across generations and for those asking God for transformation and a new beginning.
The number 12 carried particular significance on the anniversary, linking the Temple’s 12 years with the 12 disciples who were commissioned to take the Gospel to others.
A place dedicated to seeking God
The size, architecture and history of the Temple of Solomon have attracted visitors from many parts of the world, but its central purpose has always gone beyond the building itself.
Its mission remains spiritual.
The Temple was created as a place where people could separate themselves from the distractions of everyday life, approach God with reverence and seek Him sincerely.
The words of Isaiah reflect the purpose associated with the Temple:
“For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
Isaiah 56:7
Twelve years after its inauguration, the Temple of Solomon continues to welcome those who are searching for faith, restoration and a closer relationship with God.
And as another year begins in its history, its message remains the same: the doors are open to all who sincerely desire to seek Him.
Experience the same faith in Saint Lucia
You do not have to travel to São Paulo to seek God.
At the Universal Church in Saint Lucia, our doors are also open throughout the week for those seeking prayer, spiritual guidance and an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with God.
Whether you are facing problems in your family, health, finances, spiritual life or simply desire to draw closer to God, you are welcome.
The Universal Church
25 Brazil Street, opposite Derek Walcott Square, Castries
