A Spiritist since 1991, Elaine Adair Menato (photo) was born in the Brazilian city of São Paulo e lives in São João da Boa Vista, also in the state of São Paulo. She graduated in Accountancy and Education and has her own business. She is also a volunteer worker at the Amor, Luz e Caridade Spiritist Centre (Love, Light and Charity), where she coordinates mediumship and Gospel studies. She speaks in this interview about her experience in the Spiritist Movement.

How did you become a Spiritist?

I was a Christian Evangelical until the age of 18, following the family tradition. But things began to change when I met my future husband, José Menato Jr, who comes from a Spiritist family and once invited me to attend a meeting of the Youth Group at the Irmão Joseph Spiritist Centre. From that Saturday on, when I followed for the first time the discussions about The Spirits’ Book, I never looked back and began attending the regular Spiritist talks and study groups.

What strikes you most about Spiritism?

It is the clarity of its teachings. Nothing in Spiritism is a mystery, nothing is hidden. It is up to each one of us, once we have access to the work of Allan Kardec, to lift the veils that have been obscuring our vision. I used to have a terrible fear of death and of going to hell, which I learned to be scared of. But Spiritism has taught me that “hell” in inside us and that we can gradually change, by using our free will and always respecting our limits.

How did you come up with the idea of the live streams?

That was an invitation from Jesus. I was very sad with the impact of Covid-19, which forced us to suspend activities at Spiritist Centres. I also sad because I couldn’t see my children. So one day I “heard” an inner voice saying I should speak in public about Jesus. I was a bit cautious initially and thought that people might not welcome the proposal, but I went ahead and began my first live stream at 17:55 on April 16h, on Instagram. I called it Reflexões, or Reflections, and focused on the teachings of Jesus. Much to my surprise, people liked it and I now have a group of friends who watch every live broadcast I do. I eventually decided to invite friends to join me and I share the screen with those who accept the invitation on Tuesdays and Fridays. I also felt the need to start the live streams from the Spiritist Centre for those who couldn’t be with us in person. We began going live on Wednesday, but the impact has been so positive that I began expanding the transmissions to Mondays and Saturdays too.

What do you think you are getting from those online events?

Joy and love! People always respond with words of encouragement and gratitude, which makes me go on with the work and never hesitate!

What has been the reaction from the online public?

It has been a very positive surprise! People contact me on Instagram and WhatsApp to thank me. They really touch my heart with words of love and gratitude. I am really happy.

Social distancing is a new experience. How do you think Spiritists are reacting to the new reality?

We still need to adapt to this new reality. Each person is reacting in a different manner. Some are taking a more positive approach; others are more negative. But we must bear in mind that the feelings and emotions that each one feels are linked to the way we used to live, to our attachments and the problems we have when we need to change. I believe this is an important time for us, Spiritists. We need to work harder on our faith and to show our love to other people, as we have always preached. This is a call for our inner reform.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We must continue to do these live streams even when things go back to normal. I have friends who couldn’t attend our meetings before because their husbands were either too jealous or disliked Spiritism. They are now able to watch, participate and learn. So I think this is a new tool that will continue to take the Gospel to all the homes and families who are willing to receive the light.

What your final thoughts?

I would like to thank you, Orson, for this invitation, giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings here. I thank my husband, who is my true companion of all hours and who has encouraged me incessantly to carry on with this new task. I thank my children, who have continued to help me despite being physically distant, and especially Livia Menato, who has given me valuable feedback throughout the live streams. And finally, I would like to express my gratitude to Jesus and the Spiritual Benefactors, who have guided me and given me strength every time I faltered in my determination.