tism in his country: 

When and in which circumstances did you have your first contact with Spiritism? 

From a very young age I went to Catholic schools (my parents were Catholic) and, therefore, I had an early contact with the mystical side of existence. Like any young person, I became interested in anything connected with spirituality, from the age of 15 or 16. We heard about the game of cups, pens and young inexperienced people like to experiment. I wasn’t an exception.

A few years later, when I already in the military service and yet didn’t know anything about Spiritism, I used to do “experiences with Spirits,” until one day we had a real scare.

Ony in 1980, through friends, I had my first contact with a group that studied the works of Kardec and, from then on, became more and more interested in that lifestyle. 

What are your activities at the moment in the Spiritist Movement? 

I am currently the president of the Portuguese Spiritist Federation. But I have been linked to the Federation since 1986.

In Algarve, I am connected to four Spiritist Centres that I helped create. We carry out there the usual activities of every Spiritist Centre: Assistance (or counseling), Study Groups, Evangelisation for young people, Spiritual Guidance and Healing. 

Which one of the three main points of Spiritism – Science, Philosophy and Religion – means the most to you and why? 

Even though I am fascinated by the scientific and philosophical aspects of Spiritism what really attracts me to the Teachings are their religious part because I have found there the answers for existential questions that otherwise would not make sense to me. 

Has there been any special, remarkable event in your experience as a Spiritist so far? 

There are always many and frequent events in the life of a Spiritist, be it in the physical world or during mediumship meetings. I have been privileged to enjoy the company of some mediums next to whom I have had sublime experiences that have made me rethink and reassess everything I know and I think I am, promoting interior transformation. 

What is your assessment of the Spiritist Movement in Portugal? 

The Portuguese Spiritist Movement was all but extinct during the military dictatorship and was only able to reorganise after the 1974 Revolution. We are, therefore, a new movement, but we have quite numerous. We have almost 70 Groups affiliated to the Federation. And we know that there are more than 250 Groups that gather and carry out their activities.

As it happens all over the world, spirituality is awakening quickly and our values tend to change for the better – that is what seems important to me! 

Thousands of war refugees are now seeking shelter in Europe. How do you think the Spiritist Teachings will be able to help them? 

This movement of people and values that they bring with them is very important. In my view, nothing happens by change and Europe is getting now the outcome of previous invasions. We know the Law of Cause and Effect and, therefore, understand that the most efficient way to help is, alongside the material support that may be provided, to show respect and lead by example.  

Last year the 8^th World Spiritist Congress took place in Portugal. The event was praised by its organisation, which had in you one of its leaders. Could you tell us a bit about the challenges and rewards from that event, which was so important for the development of the world’s Spiritist Movement? 

It was a big challenge to organise the 8^th World Spiritist Congress. We had a small group that for more than two years planned the event and made the decisions needed.

The Brazilian economic crisis was an unexpected problem, but with the help we had from the Spiritual World everything ended well.

During the three days of Congress, almost 100 volunteers joined the organisation team and more than 2,000 people attending the event. We enjoyed many beautiful moments, in which we shared our feelings and our knowledge. Those memories still touch me when I see again the recordings online, available on www.adep.pt/cem.

We had the honour of paying tribute to people who left an important mark on the world by their example, such as Nestor Masotti and Nilson de Souza Pereira, as well as others who are still with us: Divaldo Franco and Raul Teixeira.

My heart was filled with joy and I felt that my happiness was shared by others, who, during the closing ceremony, hugged each other in tears. That was the best present we could get: from Portugal, like in the time this nation discovered Brazil and other nations, people left with the hearts full of hope. 

Leave us with a sentence, a word or a thought that translates what Spiritism means to your life. 

Spiritism is the reason for my existence.