Giovani Dias Guimarães (photo) was born and brought up in the Brazilian city of Igarapava, in the state of São Paulo, where he works as Coordinator of Information Technology. He is also a volunteer worker at the Luz, Caridade e Amor (Light, Charity and Love) Spiritist Centre and is the current president of the Spiritist Federation in the Alta Mogiana region, as he explains in the following interview:

Tell us a bit more about the town of Igarapava.

Igarapava is in the State of São Paulo, near the state of Minas Gerais. We have the same problems faced by the majority of smaller Brazilian cities, but we also enjoy a very strong sense of community here. Everyone in the city responds quickly to any campaign launched to help other people.

How did you become a Spiritist?

I was born into a Spiritist family. From a very young age, we were forced by my mother to engage in Spiritist activities, but I can say now that I didn’t really know Spiritism. I began to wake up to Spiritism when my children were born. I had moved away from Spiritism for a while and began, at that period of my life, taking part in meetings and other activities more regularly.

Which aspect of the Spiritist Teachings means the most to you?

I am very sceptical regarding a number of issues and I am, in a way, like St Thomas. But Spiritism explains the teachings of Our Master Jesus in such a rational ad clear manner that I’ve had to give in. There is no way to reason against it. As Allan Kardec wrote, “there is no allegory and nothing that gets in the way of understanding it.” And yet we still try to make things more complicated than they are.

Tell us about the Spiritist Centre where you work as a volunteer in Igarapava.

The Luz, Caridade e Amor Spiritist Centre is where I gave my first steps in Spiritism, as a child. We have been strongly influenced by the nearby city of Sacramento, in the state of Minas Gerais, home of the great pioneer of Spiritism and great educator, Eurípedes Barsanulfo. He had a great influence in particular on Azarias Arates, who was one of the founders of out Spiritist Centre on May 10^th, 1919. We have a Eurípedes Barsanulfo Institute in our Spiritist Centre, whichs oversees the education of 300 children in the city, from when they are 6 months old until they finish school. Our motto is “To educate for life.”

What is your view on the Spiritist Movement locally and across Brazil?

I am very fond of the youth groups in the Spiritist Movement. And even though I can see amazing material being produced regularly on the internet, I still feel that there’s not enough support for the youth movement in most Spiritist Centres. I feel that many of us still struggle to work properly with young people and fail to understand what their demands and their needs are. I believe, however, that recent initiatives, like the creation of a sFamily Department at the Brazilian Spiritist Federation (FEB), will have a positive impact and will help the formation of young Spiritists.  

What are the highlights of your experience in the Spiritist Movement along all these years?

Without a doubt, it is the interaction with the youth. I am particularly fond of a Spiritist talk where the speaker, making reference to the 500 of Galilee, said that most of those who expect the return of Jesus hope to see not the Jesus who preached or healed, but instead the Jesus who set next to everyone, either fishing or offering something to eat. I believe that happy moments leave a lasting effect that motivates us to become better people. If we are able to use moments like that to a good effect, we will then be able to touch the hearts of many young people and leave them wishing for more.

If you had the opportunity to say something to all Spiritists, what would that be?

I wish I was at the same level as Chico Xavier, who answered a similar question by saying: “If I could have any influence here, I would only repeat the words of Jesus: Love one another as I have loved you.” As I am at much lower level of spiritual development than Chico Xavier, I would say: “Let’s start simply by respecting other people and by understanding that our limit ends where someone else’s start.” I think that would help us learn more from one another.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The new generation brings with them a great deal of knowledge. They have very advanced intellects and come with a natural talent to learn new technologies. But they need to deal better with their feelings, their emotional side. How many years does a Spirit need to be incarnated before he or she can take on their roles as volunteers in a Spiritist Centre? In other words: if we want to reap a harvest of fruits in the future, we must plant the seeds, in our young people, today. And must continue to look after them so we can eventually get the fruits we desire so much.