Adauto Quirino Silva (photo), a lawyer in the Brazilian city of Birigui, in the state of São Paulo, is a volunteer worker at the Amor e Caridade (Love and Charity) Spiritist Centre. He was one of its directors and has held different positions in the institution over the years, as he explains in the following interview. 

When and in which circumstances did you become a Spiritist?

I’ve been labelled a Spiritist from birth, as my parents were already Spiritists when I was born. My father, Lázaro Quirino da Silva, became president of the Córrego das Pedras Spiritist Centre, in my hometown of Buritama, in 1949, after my paternal grandfather's brother passed away. So becoming a Spiritist was a natural process for me, from learning its basic concepts to embracing its most complex principles, which have always seemed obvious and logical to me. 

Which aspect of Spiritism strikes you the most?

It’s the fact that its explanations are based on reason and logic, well in accordance with the character and the educational background of Allan Kardec. I also note the zeal that marks the production of Spiritist books, especially the five core works of Kardec. It conveys to me, as a Christian, the clear perception that Spiritism, as dictated by the Spirits, is a faithful and enlightening explanation of the Gospel of Jesus. 

Tell us a bit more about the Spiritist Centre where you work as a volunteer. 

The ‘Amor e Caridade’ Spiritist Centre was founded in Birigui on January 28th, 1940, by the couple, Linda and João Dias de Almeida. The Group, founded 82 years ago, has never suspended its activities. Linda was a very accomplished medium, which prompted the Spirit of her late father, Felício Luchini, to encourage her to begin working with the Spiritual Benefactors in Birigui, in the name of Jesus. Under the guidance of Felício and through her mediumship, a system was established to help those in need at the Spiritist sessions, through healing, counselling etc. The Centre directors were also advised to set up a charity project to help the community. They opened a home for the elderly and the homeless in 1945, a health centre in 1947 (which later became a hospital) and an orphanage in 1949. Those remained in activity until 2015. And we have also held study groups for children, young people and mediumship courses. 

What lessons have you learned from your personal experience in Spiritism?

The most memorable moment for me was when I effectively woke up to the reality of the spiritual world. Let me explain: even though I was fully aware of what Spiritism meant, with all its edifying aspects, throughout my childhood, adolescence and part of my adult life I remained somehow deluded by the fascination of material wealth. All of a sudden, I had an insight and began reconsidering my life. After all, I already lived a comfortable life and had fulfilled my basic material needs. What I really needed was to put into practice the Gospel of Jesus. I must say, however, that I’ve never compromised my principles of honesty and have always worked hard to support my family and me. I’ve been a practicing lawyer for 50 years. 

How has that changed the way you see life now?

I have realised the importance of duty and of working hard to be able to know myself, leaving all illusions behind and for good. I’ve been able to put into practice the true values of life, which represent freedom of conscience. My main concern now is of a moral order: in my professional work, by trying to establish fraternal relations with my clients; in family life, by working hard to persuade my children and grandchildren of the need to cultivate the values of the Gospel and of improving themselves according to the Teachings of Jesus. In my personal social relations, I’ve also made a concerted effort to learn from various experiences. 

What was your most difficult experience in life?

From a moral perspective, it’s been the struggle to overcome pride and selfishness and the other defects that stem from that. At the same time I’ve tried to conquer their opposing virtues: humility and altruism. That is the only possibility we have to be able to establish true Christian relations with our brothers and sisters. We must be benevolent, indulgent and forgiving, always. That is a goal that I have continued to pursue, working hard through the practice of charity to try to make that into something natural to me. 

Which Spiritist books would you like to recommend to our readers, based on your experience?