During a church meetinghouse tour with city councilors many years ago, I was asked this very important question about the need for multiple priests in our congregations.

Today is Mother’s Day in France. With children living on both sides of the Atlantic, our family has the blessing of celebrating Mother’s Day twice each year—a privilege certainly well deserved by my wife, Valérie. One of our daughters once shared a touching testimony of how her mother’s example continues to guide her in her own role as a young mother. She said: "Today, whenever I have a decision to make regarding my own children, I think about what my mother would do. When I reflect on the joyful nature she has always had—and still has today—I simply want to be like her. Her example has inspired me to create a happy home, just as she did, and to lead with love as she always has. I find joy in raising my children because she often told me how much she loved being a mother. Each Sunday, I feel a desire to attend church with my family because she passed on to me the joy she felt in taking us to church." I feel deeply grateful for Valérie and for the happiness she brings into our lives. May we all strive to create loving, Christ-centered homes—places where joy can flourish and where our children are inspired to cherish the gospel throughout their lives.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we bear witness of Him whenever we share His love with all around us—and help it take root in each person we meet.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are all united in faith and in our commitment to living the gospel. But unity does not mean uniformity. Our church congregations are like a beautiful mosaic—rich with diverse backgrounds, talents, and experiences.    I invite each of you to find and recognize your gifts so that you can use them to bless others and move the Lord’s work forward.

It was an absolute delight to join the Bella Voce Women’s Choir at the BYU–Idaho devotional yesterday, as they beautifully performed “On This Day of Joy and Gladness.”

Our time is truly a day of joy and gladness.

Never before has the gospel been preached so widely. Never have so many missionaries been called. Never have so many people been introduced to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and entered the waters of baptism. Never have so many nations opened their doors to the gospel message, nor so many temples been built across the earth.

My message to the 10,000 young adults gathered in the BYU–Idaho Center was simple:

“You are the children of the Restoration. Yours is the generation called to help lead this work forward.

With your faith, your creativity, and your devotion, you will move this work forward in ways we have never seen before.”

The conversion story of my mother-in-law reminds me of how grateful we should be for the restored truths that are unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Last year, my wife Valérie and I had the opportunity to spend a few unforgettable days hiking the breathtaking trails of the Dolomites in northeastern Italy. It was a powerful reminder of the beauty and wonder of God’s creations. There are few things more energizing than being immersed in nature while actively using our bodies. Experiences like this deepen our gratitude toward our Heavenly Father—not only for the natural beauty around us but also for the incredible gift of our physical bodies. One meaningful way we express that gratitude is by caring for all that God has entrusted to us: the earth, our own health, and the physical and emotional well-being of others.

My thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with all those affected by the devastating wildfires in France and Spain. Having lived much of my life in one of the hardest-hit regions of France, the destruction caused by these fires is deeply personal to me and to many members of my family. We pray for the families who have suffered loss, for those who have been displaced, and for the courageous first responders who continue to serve with remarkable faith and selflessness. Some of our chapels have been opened to those affected by the fires, providing shelter, food, essential supplies, and compassionate support to those in need. In moments of uncertainty and sorrow, I know we can find peace in the assurance that our loving Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us. He knows our individual needs as well as our collective burdens. As we turn to Him, the Holy Spirit can comfort our hearts and help us feel the Savior's sustaining love and power through even the most difficult days.

Recently, after a stake conference, a sister approached me and said, “Thank you so much for coming!” I replied jokingly, “But you know… I didn’t choose to come—I was assigned!” She looked at me thoughtfully and, choosing her words carefully, said, “Elder Caussé, we always get to choose.” She was right. Her response helped me realize that the real reason I was in her city that weekend was not simply because I had been assigned… …but because I had personally chosen to dedicate myself to the Lord—to go wherever He wants me to go. It matters little where we serve or which position or responsibility we hold. What truly matters is our deliberate choice to follow the Savior—or rather, to be chosen by Him. We make this choice as we enter into sacred covenants, such as baptism and temple ordinances. And it is our faithfulness to these covenants—not the callings or positions we hold—that shapes our eternal blessings.

I am so grateful to know that I can have a personal relationship with God. He knows us. He is interested in us. He loves us. This fundamental truth has been a great blessing in my life.