With bags packed and lunches prepared the night before, Roan and Sigfred Ducusin begin their 12-hour journey from the North West town of Sligo, Ireland, to the closest temple in Preston, England, at 3:45 a.m. on Oct. 14.
“We leave here at 3:45 a.m. and arrive at the Preston England Temple around 3 or 4 p.m.,” said Roan Ducusin.
The Ducusins, natives of the Philippines, moved to Ireland for work and to study English. Roan Ducusin came first in 2002 and Sigfred Ducusin followed in 2003. In the Philippines, they lived fairly close to a temple, so traveling such a distance has been an adjustment.
They drive three hours from Sligo to Dublin, Ireland, picking up a few branch members along the way. They then board a ferry for three hours to Holyhead, Wales. Once at the port, they load back into their car for another drive of three to four hours, depending on traffic and stops.
After the long journey, they finally arrive at the Preston England Temple and make their way to the patron housing. Upon entering, Roan Ducusin acknowledged a sense of peace and belonging.
“On the day we travel, we already feel at home,” said Roan Ducusin. “You can hear noise in [the temple accommodations], but it’s the noises of happy children playing that just came out of the temple or elders that are so happy or youth that are giggling. The noise is safe, happy noise. It differs from the noise outside.”
The Ducusins, along with the other members of the Sligo Branch, worship in the temple for three days and make the long journey back to Ireland.
Visit the Church News to learn more about how Irish Saints are prioritizing temple worship while awaiting the Dublin Ireland Temple.
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