José Francisco do Amaral:

“As we take in what Spiritism teaches us, Humankind will gradually overcome its flaws”
 

	José Francisco do Amaral (photo) is a lawyer in the city of Panambi, in Brazil’s southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul. He is also an enthusiastic Spiritist worker, balancing his volunteer work with his professional and family life (he is married and has two children). In this interview, he talks about the phase of transition the world is going through and
the need to disseminate the Teachings:

When did you go to a Spiritist Centre for the first time?

A few years ago, driven by the interesting in finding out more about the imponderable. I went to the neighbouring city of Cruz Alta. After visiting a Spiritist Centre there, I could not avoid the natural path, of studying and engaging in Spiritism. A I began a charity project in Panambi, providing soup to people in need, and that is where our Spiritist Centre began. We have only one Spiritist Centre in the city, called Cristo, Amor e Caridade (Christ, Love and Charity). I am its vice-president.

What is your view on the unification of the Spiritist Movement?

The dissemination of the Promised Consoler will set the guidelines for the spiritual development of Humankind. Individual development is an essential part of that process. The unification of the Movement is also paramount.

What should be done to attract young people to the activities of Spiritist Centres?

Children and teenager should be gradually integrated into the activities of Spiritist Centres, taking part in activities compatible with their physical and emotional development, as well as their knowledge of Spiritism.

What is your main motivation to organise talks, lectures and a number of other activities aimed at the general public?

The dissemination of the Teachings. I was inspired by the spirit, Emmanual, who advises us in the chapter 40 of his book Estude e Viva (Study and Live): “(…) Do not forget them, those who are on the edge of madness in their pain, and work so Spiritism can provide them the appropriate help. Let us study Allan Kardec under the light of the message of Jesus Christ and, be it in the example or the attitude, in action or word, let us bear in mind that Spiritism demands a permanent type of charity – the charity of its own dissemination.”

How do you raise funds to keep the Spiritist Centre going?

Through the sale of books, monthly payments by our member and donations from other people.

Is it important to know about management in order to be in charge of a Spiritist Centre?

It is crucial. Otherwise, Spiritism ends up detached from the society where it is.

What are the main challenges of the Spiritist Movement?

As the great medium, Chico Xavier, said: the only evil we have to fear is the evil inside us. The great challenge of the Spiritist Movement is therefore to help us beat the evil we have inside us. As we take in what Spiritism teaches us, Humankind will gradually overcome its flaws and as a result it will be happier. The way to achieve that is through work in the Spiritist Movement, in the dissemination of the Teachings.

How do you deal with the growing number of people looking for assistance at Spiritist Centres in Brazil and the lack of qualified personal to meet the new demand?

The only way is through education, full dedication to studying, with responsibility, helping others understand how important discipline is. Joanna de Ângelis, in Vida Feliz (Happy Life), tells us “A disciplined man is a treasure.”

What in your opinion has prevented a greater number of people joining the Spiritist Movement?

Self-indulgence, the link to old vices and habits common to human beings and the lack of effort in pursuing inner reform.

Your final words, please.

Those of Emmanuel for Chico Xavier: “Discipline, discipline, discipline.”