Jenete Vilela Souza: 

“Spiritism is a life philosophy” 

The Spiritist volunteer worker from Brazil’s western state of Goiás talks about Spiritism in the city of Mineiros
 

	Jenete Vilela Souza (photo), a teacher and lawyer, became a Spiritist in 1992. She is the current president of the Spiritist Community Allan Kardec. The group is based in the city of Mineiros. In this interview, she talks about the Spiritist Movement in her hometown.  Let us begin by asking you to introduce us to
the city of Mineiros, in Goiás state.

It has about 55,000 inhabitants and is located in the southwest of the state. Agro business is the main economic activity in the city, whose wealth has grown remarkably in the last decade, in much higher levels than the national average. That was due to the opening of many manufacturing companies working to supply the demand generated by agro business. We have had a huge influx of migrants, which has brought about many social problems: lack of proper housing and schools, busier roads and a steep rise in the number of road accidents, overcrowded hospitals, rising urban violence.  

What is the oldest Spiritist Centre in the city? 

It is the Spiritist Community Allan Kardec, founded in 1975 by Aloísio de Assis Paniago and his wife, Olinda Gomes Paniago. 

In your experience with the Centre, is there any particular event or fact that you would like to share with our readers? 

There is not a single fact or event, but an endless number of occasions when we have met to study, to help those who came to us in need of assistance. There was one event that touched us all very deeply: a message from the Spiritual World by Aloísio, who came back to reassure us that we were on the right path. 

Tell us about the other Spiritist Groups in the city. 

We have in Mineiros five Spiritist Groups, each one with its own practices and priorities. Our Group, Allan Kardec, has the following schedule of activities: study groups, mediumship meetings and counselling (fraternal assistance) are offered every day of the week, including weekends. Also, we hold a monthly event – pizza and second hand goods – to raise funds for the Bezerra de Menezes Home. We also have a Youth Group and special groups and classes for children. 

What about the other Groups? 

They all have open meetings for the general public, they all have mediumship meetings and some carry out the study of the core works of Allan Kardec. There is one point where some of them differ from each other, as some allow the presence of the general public int their disobsession (spiritual attachment) meetings. 

What are the main initiatives to disseminate Spiritism in the city of Mineiros? 

We hand out leaflets with basic explanations about the Teachings, we also use special events (such as our monthly pizza “party” or other fund raising meetings) for that purpose and we have a weekly programme in the local radio. 

What would you like to share about your personal experience in the Spiritist Movement? 

Since I found Spiritism 20 years ago, these wonderful Teachings have changed my life. I finally began to understand the meaning of our existence on Earth. By studying the core works of Kardec and other books, by working in charity and aid projects, I have reflected so much about the meaning of life and have enjoyed countless moments of immense joy. 

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

I would like to invite all readers to get to know Spiritism, as well as the Spiritist Movement. More than a religious doctrine, Spiritism is a philosophy of life. Jesus and Kardec are Teachings for eternity.