to its principles. 

How did you become a Spiritist? 

I needed to understand the reason for life: where do I come from, why am I here, where am I going? I was a Catholic and a Presbyterian before but I found the answers to my questions in Spiritism. I had a Spiritist neighbour when I was a child. He didn’t attend a Spiritist Centre regularly but read The Spirits’ Book. I remember him saying more than once that I wasn’t able to understand the greatness of the Codification of Allan Kardec because of my young age. In 2004, my wife Alice and I began attending the open meetings at the Allan Kardec Spiritist Centre. I was happy with the way the Teachings of Jesus were explained there and I became keen to find out more. I began attending the meetings more regularly and that is how I became a Spiritist. 

What impact has the knowledge of Spiritism had in your life? 

As I got to know more about the philosophical and moral aspects of the Teachings I began to understand the need to change my behaviour so I could effectively live like Kardec recommended on chapter XVII, item 4 of  The Gospel According to Spiritism: “The true Spiritist can be recognised by their moral transformation and by the efforts they employ in order to dominate their bad instincts.” I must say that that lesson has had a great impact on my personal life. 

What is your assessment of the Spiritist Movement at present? 

I have notice remarkable growth in the Spiritist Movment since the celebrations of the centenary of the birth of Chico Xavier in 2010. Several books about him were published them, there were seminars and conferences and the success of the Brazilian film Chico Xavier all had an impact. Spiritism came to show the true lessons that Jesus taught and lived and, as such, it will continue to attract more people interested in finding true Christianity. 

What strikes you the most about Spiritism? 

The fact that people who deliver Spiritist lectures and talks at all levels remain faithful to the principles of the Teachings. Spiritism, as Kardec defined it, is not only a religion: it is philosophy, based on science and it has a moral impact. In Spiritism there is no hierarchy, ceremony, dogmas or privileges. Another important aspect is the fact that it aims at getting people to carry out inner reform and become better people. There are no promises of miracles of salvation without inner reform. 

What would you like to say about your experience at the Allan Kardec Spiritist Centre (CEAK)? 

In the 11 years I have been at the Allan Kardec I have noticed that, on top of the concern with disseminating Spiritism, there is a priority towards charity work and education. CEAK’s founder was an educator by vocation and founded a number of organizations dedicated to education and social work. But what I will never forget about this place is the dedication of its directors and all volunteers, who do not measure efforts to carry out their tasks in the best possible way. In many cases, they sacrifice to some extent their professional activities and family life for that. 

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience in Spiritism? 

I haven’t been in Spiritism for long, but I must say that since I found the Teachings I have doubled my efforts to control my bad inclinations. Reading Spiritist books and attending talks and seminars I have learned so much and tried to carry out an inner reform. A pillar of Spiritism is the freedom for everyone to read what they want, assess what they read and express their opinions. I am an avid reader, a great fan of the great Brazilian writer Humberto de Campos, from Maranhão state. I read Spiritist books regularly and, even though I like to get into all issues and subjects, reincarnation if my favourite subject. 

What else would you like to add? 

I deeply regret only having found Spiritism when I was already 60 years old. Had I found it before, I am certain that I would have avoided many of the errors of the past. My work at the CEAK book shop has enabled me to guide newcomers to the most appropriate Spiritist literature for their current needs. As we often say in Brazil, you get into Spiritism either through love or through pain. My final thought on Spiritism is a sentence attributed to Léon Denis, who said: “Spiritism is not the religion of the future, but the future of religion.”