As someone born in a Spiritist family, do you feeel Spiritism is inside you? 

The biggest Spiritist influence I had in the family was from my father, who has always studied and researched the Teachings in depth. I am glad I have inherited his discipline for that. I don’t study as much as him, but enough to enable us to have very productive and constructive conversations. I have also been influenced by watching his talks from an early age. He has always attempted to be original and creative and yet clear and faithful to the principles of Spiritism. Now it comes naturally to me too the capacity of being clear. And I always care about my sources too. My mother influenced me more at an emotional level. I have copied many of her positive, good actions, which are not necessarily exclusively Spiritist but certainly spiritual. I feel Spiritism is still taking shape inside me. 

What is view of the world at the age you are and considering the knowledge of Spiritism you already have? 

I try to bear in mind the lessons from “Point of View,” which is in the item 5, chapter II of The Gospel According to Spiritism. My understanding is that it is better to approach the world with faith in future life, a spiritual life, than focusing only on thoughts and concerns of our daily lives on the planet. This text is very clear when it says we should not worry excessively about the natural difficulties of life, nor about the problems we can see now in politics, education and interpersonal relationships. I don’t think my age has a big impact on my view of the world. I follow what is that extract of the book, which is very rational. People from any age should be able to understand and appreciate the world from the perspective a future life. We need to achieve self-knowledge, to attempt to overcome our bad tendencies, to have discipline in every work we carry out and to do charity, as defined by Jesus. 

As a Spiritist, what is your assessment of the challenges of young people in today’s world? 

Today’s youth is facing many challenges, and a wide range of challenges too. That is also valid, in many cases, for children, middle-aged people and the elderly. One of the common challenges for all age groups is the need to continue learning, constantly. But I see in today’s youth the mission of transforming the world in a deepest and yet lighter manner. I am not talking about the changes that have occurred over the past few generations, which have also been important. But what will change is the essence of change. From the beginning of the Industrial Revolution the biggest changes we have experienced in the world have been of a rational, material and technological nature. There were also moral and behavioural changes, but they were not as big or significant as the technological changes. I believe the youth of today will bring more attention to the type of reform the world need now that the planet is going through a change from a phase of Trials and Tribulations to one of Regeneration. The young people of today have the great task of preparing the next generation. We know from many sources, including Divaldo Pereira Franco and Yvonne do Amaral Pereira, that many spirits from other worlds have been reincarnating on earth to give a boost to the changes needed for Regeneration. Today’s youth must, therefore, work hard to prepare the planet for the next phase. 

What is the most positive influence the knowledge of Spiritism has had in your daily life? 

As I began studying Spiritism at a very young age, it is difficult for me to imagine my life without the knowledge I have. But I would say that probably the biggest impact Spiritism has had in my life concerns interpersonal relations I make a concerted effort not to pass a judgement on anyone based on malicious gossip and hearsay. Spiritism reminds us constantly that we have reincarnated in a world of Trials and Tribulations and that, with the exception of Jesus, we all have problems and bad tendencies of a physical, psychological and emotional nature that we are still overcoming. Spiritism has also taught me that we can never stop trying to improve as human beings. 

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

There is a huge diversity among young people: different perceptions, differing emotions and, therefore, different opinions and views of the world. In my opinion, many Spiritist Centres do not know how to encourage young people and to get the best out of them. Young Spiritists are usually very hard working, willing and energetic. All they need is good guidance. May young people become aware of all the capacity they have to change the world around them, making it a better place. But may also all the workers in Spiritist organisations realise the importance of that potential. May all of us open our hearts to receive Christ, learning to work as a team, together, wherever we are. I would like to thank you for the opportunity of this interview. I hope I can reach new hearts and at least to have encouraged each one of your readers to reflect about their lives and their goals.