The thought above is from our fellow Spiritist, Fernando de Souza Santos (photo), who was born in the Brazilian city of Itaraté, in the state of São Paulo. He was born into a Spiritist family and work as a volunteer at the Allan Kardec Spiritist Union and Casa do Caminho Spiritist Union in his hometown. He is the current president of the local branch of the Spiritist Federation in Itararé.
In this interview, he talks about his recently-published book, Noites Inesquecíveis (Unforgettable Nights), which transcribes many conversations between mediums and discarnate Spirits during meetings he attended. 
When and how did you become a Spiritist? How has been your experience as a Spiritist?
I was born into a Spiritist family. The Spiritist Centre I attend regularly was founded 1956 and my maternal grandparents were part of the group behind it. I grew up in the Allan Kardec Spiritist Union. I can’t imagine my life without Spiritism and this Spiritist Centre in particular.
Which aspect of Spiritism means the most to you?
Its logical and rational aspect, which give Spiritism the power to comfort and console. Unlike many of my relatives, I don’t have clear medium capacities. So if I needed to “feel the Spiritual World” in order to believe its existence, I would reject it. But I tend to accept what can be logically explained. I believe “without seeing” because I find in Spiritism divine order and the love of the Father.
How did you begin working in mediumistic meetings to help Spirits?
I first took part in a mediumship group in 1998, shortly after becoming officially an adult. My grandfather took me. That’s when a more direct link with the Spiritual World began for me. But as I didn’t see or hear Spirits, for many years I remained as a “supporting medium”, the person who prays throughout the meeting, helping to keep the positive vibrations in the room. In February 2007, I was for the first time invited to lead the dialogue with the discarnate Spirits who spoke through the mediums. And I continue to this day to carry out this work in the two Spiritist centres I mentioned before.
Which aspect of this process of talking with the Spirits stands out the most?
Well, there are several. For instance, when the Spirit is still at a lower level and focused on evil deeds, what really strikes me is how bitter he or she is. As fearful as they may be, they are most of all unhappy and bitter. When the Spirit who comes to our meetings passed away recently, it is interesting to notice how physical his or her feelings still are: thirst, cold and pain that the Spirit felt in his last days on Earth continue to be present. When we have with us Spirits who used to be too attached to material beings, I’ve always been amazed by the fact that they say they struggle to adapt to the Spirit World. They tell us that all their references are linked to the material world, to the flesh. Each message or dialogue we have is the unveiling of a unique and private world. And that is why we always have something to learn from each Spirit.
What are your most memorable moments in that field?
So many messages have had a huge impact on me! But a very special occasion was to hear my grandparents after they had returned to the Spirit World. It happened twice. Another experience that really touched me was to hear from a Spirit who suffered as a consequence of my attitudes in a previous life.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us from your experience in the Spiritist Movement?
That life after we pass away if much more pulsating than life in the material world. It is always the direct and infallible consequence of the way we live during our incarnation. But I have observed that we are never abandoned by God’s mercy, which never stops trying to help us all.
How about your book?
It is a great joy to talk about the book. I was an avid reader and always thought of writing a book. I even wrote a book but would have to spend money to have it published and gave up the idea. One evening, during our mediumistic meetings, the Spirit of a ballerina told me: “I will tell you my story and I authorise you to put it in the book you will write.” I interpreted that as a message from the Spiritual Benefactors. That story opens my book, which was written in 2016. I have since published three other books and have written another three, which have been sent to be assessed by various publishing houses.
What would you say to yourself that could also help other readers?
We must study Spiritism really hard! We must read, attend study groups, watch Spiritist talks and lectures. It is important, therefore, to improve our knowledge and increase our mental capacity so we are able to carry out our inner reform. Knowledge will be the fuel to put charity into practice. After all, “the truth will set us free!” Let’s seek the truth!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am very happy, as the book, Noites Inesquecíveis (Unforgettable Nights) is getting very positive feedback. I was worried before I wrote it. After all, we need a great deal of care and zeal when we decide to write about Spiritism in a book. I didn’t want in any way to clash with the principles of Spiritism and I made a concerted effort to avoid that. I must thank all the people, incarnate and discarnate Spirits, who contributed with the book in different ways. May our Master Jesus bless you, always!