Arquimedes Brumati (photo) was born in a Spiritist family in the twon of Pongaí, in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. A retired Accountancy lecturer, he is a volunteer worker and president at Casa dos Espíritas, and vice-president of the local Union of Spiritist Societies (USE). In this interview he speaks about the Spiritist Movement in his town. 

When and how was Casa dos Espíritas founded? 

It was founded on January 7^th 1945 under the name of “Deus, Cristo e Caridade” (God, Christ and Charity) by a number of Spiritists in the city, led by Dr Otávio Noronha Ribeiro, Antônio Alfonso, Fausto, Pedro Batista Pereira, José de Lello and others. They felt the need to set up an organisation where local Spiritists could study and practice the Teachings. The name was changed to the current one on September 15^th 1968. 

What are the main aims of the organisation? 

It is to facilitate the study, teaching and dissemination of Spiritism, based on the codification done by Allan Kardec and the other works that support it, as well as to practice charity, help the local community and provide Spiritual guidance. 

In a university town like Lins, do young people and students join the Spiritist Movement? 

Young people in Lins get interested in Spiritism to a certain extent, joining especially the Spiritism courses that run on Mondays and Saturdays. 

How many Spiritist Groups are there in Lins and how well integrated are them? 

There are six Groups in Lins affiliated to USE, which meet every three months to plan the activities of the Spiritist Movement in the city and in the region. And there are another seven Groups affiliated from USE in our region, outside Lins. 

What are the main activities carried out to help disseminate Spiritism in Lins? 

At Casa dos Espíritas we have a Spiritist Library and a book club, called Third Millennium. There is also ILDEB, Bezerra de Menezes Institute, dedicated to the dissemination of Spiritism in Lins through books, magazines and newspapers. It also sponsors the radio programme, Momento Espírita (Spiritist Moment), which is broadcast on Saturdays at 13:30 on Alvorada Radio. 

What do you think has been the highlight of Casa dos Espíritas in the years since its foundation? 

It is difficult to point out a particular moment or event, as there have been so many, but I would say that among the most significant events of our history was the presence of part of the USE Board at Casa dos Espíritas on May 28th and 29th 1994. Dr Antônio Cesar Perri de Carvalho, who was then the USE president, and his wife Celia Rey Perri de Carvalho, as well as Carolina Flor L. de Matos, Elaine Ramazini and Moacyr Camargo came to Lins for the launch of the “Family Campaign” in our region. 

What message would you like to leave for the Spiritists who are reading us? 

I think that in the current disturbed times humankind is going through we must get organised more and more to help those who come to Spiritist Centres seeking help and spiritual guidance. And we must not lose our faith and the hope that we will live in a better and happier world, as our Master Jesus is at the helm.  

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

I would like to take this opportunity to wich every one a happy, productive 2017 with great spiritual development for all. I must also thank you the opportunity to give a small contribution through this interview to help build a fairer and more charitable society. May God bless us all and may our Master Jesus be able to rely on us, with our efforts, to help take his Gospel to all the people.