News Release

Elder and Sister Soares to Headline RootsTech 2022 Family Discovery Day  

Apostle says family connections help you know who you are and ‘whose you are’

Elder Ulisses Soares, an apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife Rosana will be the featured keynote speakers at Family Discovery Day, a free, all-virtual event held during RootsTech 2022. The annual conference runs from March 3–5, 2022.

Part of the Soares’ message will originate from their homeland of Brazil, where they have deep roots. Both were born in São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, and both will draw from and share their family experiences on location. 

“Family history isn’t all about the distant past,” said Elder Soares. “You can look to your own recent experiences and stories or history as it unfolds right here in the present. You can establish your own traditions. It is a combination of the past and the present that makes you uniquely you.” 

As a special witness of the Savior Jesus Christ, Elder Soares says culture, heritage, and traditions, along with life experiences, help people understand who they are, but this is only part of their identity.  

“You cannot fully understand the breadth of who you are without understanding whose you are. Do you understand that you are literally a child of God? Have you discovered what that divine heritage means for you?” 

To enjoy the Soares’ message and the full Family Discovery Day program, or to participate in the RootsTech 2022 virtual conference online Saturday, March 5, or to participate in the RootsTech 2022 virtual conference on March 3-5, register today for free at RootsTech.org.    

About Elder and Sister Soares

Elder Ulisses Soares was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ on March 31, 2018.

He was born in São Paulo, Brazil, on October 2, 1958, and married Rosana Fernandes Morgado in October 1982. They are the parents of three children and have five grandchildren.

Elder Soares received a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and economics from the São Paulo Pontifical Catholic University, School of Economic Science, in 1985, and later received a Master of Business Administration degree from the National Institute of Postgraduate Study.

Elder Soares has served as a full-time missionary in the Brazil Rio de Janeiro Mission, Elders Quorum president, counselor in a bishopric, high councilor, stake executive secretary, regional welfare agent, stake president and president of the Portugal Porto Mission (2000–2003).

Sister Soares received a teaching degree from Moema University. She has served as a Relief Society president, Primary president and counselor, and Sunday School teacher.

About RootsTech 2022

RootsTech welcomes millions of people worldwide to celebrate family at the world’s largest family history conference and year-long learning platform. With thousands of classes, inspiring speakers, meaningful activities, and joyful connections, RootsTech brings the human family together like no other event. The conference is 100% virtual and 100% free. Learn more at www.rootstech.org.

About FamilySearch.org

FamilySearch International, the largest genealogy organization in the world, is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services each month to learn more about their family history. To help in this great pursuit, FamilySearch and its predecessors have been actively gathering, preserving and sharing genealogical records worldwide for more than 100 years. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through more than 5,000 family history centers in 129 countries, including the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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