February 3–9: D&C 6-9
“This Is the Spirit of Revelation”
José Augusto Rotellini (Dominican, born 1975)
Busto del Profeta Jose Smith (Bust of the Prophet Joseph Smith) (2014)
resin, 15 x 10 inches
Private collection
Used with permission
José Augusto Rotellini is a sculptor who is from the Dominican Republic. Much of his work consists of commissioned public sculpture that honors important historical figures of his country including Juan Pablo Duarte (one of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic), Simón Bolívar (a political leader of Latin American independence), Father José Kentenich, Cacique Enriquillo, and many more. He has created public sculptures of Jesus Christ, as well. In 2014, Rotellini completed the bust of Joseph Smith, above. We asked whether he approached Joseph differently that his commissioned public works. He notes: “When I make a sculpture or portrait, I always try to make the character as close to the real image. Each sculpture represents a challenge and a response to me. I saw the Prophet Joseph Smith as the icon of restoration, and I wanted to make my personal version according to the death mask that was made for him at the time of his martyrdom at Carthage.”
Discussion Questions
Jesus tells Oliver that he has a gift that is sacred and will bless his life (D&C 6:10-12; 8:4, 6). What is one of your sacred gifts? How can you use that gift to bless the lives of others?
Jesus told his little flock to not fear but to do good (D&C 6:34). He tells them that "if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward" (D&C 6:33). What examples do you have from your life where you did good and good came back to you?
When speaking to Oliver, Jesus describes the "spirit of revelation" as a telling "in our mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart" (D&C 8:2-3). Why is the mode of personal revelation unique to each person? (See also: D&C 6:15, 22–23; 8:2–3; 9:7–9.)
For Children & Youth
Hi. José Augusto Rotellini is a sculptor and teacher. He has been an artist all his life. His father is an artist, too. His name is José Ramón Rotellini. Brother Rotellini (the dad) is an artist whose works have been shown all over the world. Both father and son are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Very often, children learn about the careers of their parents and decide to follow in their footsteps. That is one thing that the Rotellinis have in common. What about you? What have you learned from your parents? When you get older, would you like to do the same kind of work?
Discussion Questions
Jesus tells Oliver: "Trifle not with sacred things" (D&C 6:12). What sacred things do you think should be treated with particular respect or seriousness? What can you do to show respect for those sacred things? [See also: Elder Larry S. Kacher, "Trifle Not with Sacred Things," October 2014 General Conference.)
The 2025 Youth Theme comes from this week's reading: "Look unto [Christ"] in every thought; doubt not, fear not" (D&C 6:36). What are your doubts and fears that are resolved by looking unto Jesus?
Jesus teaches Oliver how to get answers to his questions in D&C 9:8-9. What is the process Jesus explains? Draw a decision tree that shows how to know if something is right or not right. Put your tree in a place where you can see it to remind you how to know if something is right. Why do you think that to "study it out in your mind" first is part of the process (D&C 9:8)?
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