Remembering Richard Simonetti and his work

Pedro José de Souza (photo), from the Brazilian city of Bauru, works at the local council in the city of Assis, in the state of São Paulo. He graduated in History and works as a volunteer at the Cairbar Schutel Spiritist Centre. In the following interview, he talks about the great Spiritist writer and public speaker, Richard Simonetti, who was also a native of Bauru: 

How was your first contact with Spiritism?

It was around 1995, when I found a box left in the street with some Spiritist books inside, including The Spirits’ Book. As I browsed through the book, I found interesting answers that the Spirits gave to the questions of Kardec. But I was a practising Catholic then and was actually preparing for my Confirmation. So I only began attending the activities at the Amor e Caridade (Love and Charity) Spiritist Centre in Bauru two years later, in 1997. 

What, in your view, stands out in the Spiritist Teachings?

The overwhelming clarity and rationality of its principles. 

Where did your interest in the legacy of Richard Simonetti come from?

I met Richard Simonetti on my first day at the Spiritist Youth group in 1997. It was a questions-and-answers meeting, I remember. The following year I joined the mediumship course, which was delivered by him, and I really enjoyed his clear and didactic method of teaching Spiritism. 

What do you think is the most important feature of Simonetti’s work as a writer?

The articles that he wrote regularly in the magazine Reformador, published by the Brazilian Spiritist Federation (FEB). Also, his great writing skills. His articles were read and admired by Spiritists across Brazil and other countries. 

And what about the extensive research he carried out?

I admired Richard’s discipline and dedication involving his work as a Spiritist writer and public speaker. He observed meticulously the schedule set up for the preparation and delivery of his articles, talks and lectures. 

What Simonetti books do you recommend?

Para Viver a Grande Mensagem (In Order to Live the Great Message), his first book, published by FEB in 1970, gathering articles written for Reformador between 1963 and 1969. Also, Espiritismo - Uma Nova Era (Spiritism - A New Era), published by FEB in 1998 by FEB. I think it’s the best beginner's book produced by Richard Simonetti. Its title was later changed to Conheça o Espiritismo (Get to Know Spiritism). And, finally, A Bênção da Gratidão (The Blessing of Gratitude), published by FEB in 2018 as a collection of his Reformador articles written between 2000 and 2018. 

What can you say about his speech delivery technique?

He followed an amazing didactic structure in his presentations. He prepared his talks and lectures with a great deal of care and summarised the Spiritist Teachings in a very clear and pleasant way. 

How about his work at the Amor e Caridade Spiritist Centre (CEAC) in Bauru?

He joined the CEAC in 1956, when he was 20 years old, and eventually he became its president. He remained in the post for 36 consecutive years. During his administration, the organisation set up assistance groups in the outskirts of Bauru. There are now 6 such groups, which provide education for children and other activities and services. In 2010, a new building was opened to host the hostel founded by the CEAC in 1951.

Would you like to share with us a special moment you spent with Richard?

One evening I was going somewhere and walked past Richard’s house. He was alone on the pavement, looking up to the sky. He said “good evening” and explained that there had been a power cut. I tried to engage him in a conversation, but he didn’t say much. Richard was very shy and very reserved. And, funnily enough, I’m also very much like that.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The biggest lesson that Richard Simonetti has taught us was the importance of committing to all activities that we engage in with discipline and tenacity. It doesn’t matter if it’s a high profile task, such as delivering a public talk, or something simple, like serving a bowl of soup or giving directions to someone who arrives at a Spiritist Centre looking for spiritual guidance.  

What are your final thoughts?

I must express my immense gratitude for this opportunity to talk about the work of this great Spiritist worker, Richard Simonetti. I would like to end this interview with a sentence that he used to open his presentations: “May the peace of Jesus, the Supreme Master, be in your hearts.”