The rich experience of a life dedicated to Spiritism

Wanderlino Arruda (photo) is a prominent member of the Spiritist Movement in the Brazilian city of Montes Claros (in Minas Gerais state), where he has lived for more than 70 years. He is a writer, a poet and a Spiritist speaker, with degrees in Law and Literature. In Montes Claros, he is linked to the Canacy Spiritist Fraternity, having been its president for three terms. He has received many honours in the city in recognition for his cultural, social and historic work. In the following interview, he speaks about his long and rich experience: 

How was your first contact with Spiritism?

It was when I was 15 years old, in the town of Taiobeiras, in the state of Minas Gerais, chatting with Spiritist friends and reading Spiritist novels. Then in Monte Claros, where I first arrived in 1951, reading many Spiritist books. Then in 1957 I married Olimpia, who came from a Spiritist family. That expanded my contact with Spiritism. I decided to begin attending regularly the city’s oldest Spiritist Centre, the Canacy, in 1957, after delivering a talk there to mark the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Spirits’ Book. I spoke for three hours, cramming in, I believe, all that I knew then about Spiritism and its great leaders. 

Which aspect of Spiritism strikes you the most?

Its pedagogical aspect, as a combination of science, philosophy and religion. I can’t see in any other religion the same conviction in the process of teaching its principles and disseminating the information in a clear and logical manner. Spiritism has nothing to simulate or hide. It has a crystal clear approach to its theory and practice. No other religion has such vast and high quality literature. Our spiritual mentors guide us, through mediumship, with unparalleled wisdom. They share with us not only all the theoretical principles of Spiritism, but they also provide direct information from the Spirit World. And it’s clear that they really know what is going on, with a vision of events happening today as well as tomorrow. 

Where does your interest for the lives of Spiritist personalities, including their life history, come from?

It came from reading and attending talks and lectures, and from direct observation of facts through my contact with the Spiritual Benefactors. I’ve done a lot of research focusing on the phenomena and the acts and lives of prominent Spiritists, including those who came before Allan Kardec and those who live at the same time as him. 

How many books have you published?

I have published two poetry books this year. The first one is based on the texts of Kings David and Salomon. The other one is made of short poems, inspired in family life and acts of kindness and different aspects of faith, hope and love. I had previously published a book based on a talk I gave in Dallas, United States, entitled “The History of the Spirits’ Book.” The material I’ve produced is available online on www.wanderlino.com.br. And you can search for Wanderlino Arruda on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and even TikTok. 

Tell us a bit more about your poetry.

The prevailing themes are love and nostalgia. And, more recently, there’s been a great deal more about spirituality, especially direct and indirect references to successive lives, reincarnation and spiritual progress. There’s no negativity at all. 

As a Spiritist speaker, what is your assessment of the Spiritist Movement?

Electronic media have been gaining strength since the coronavirus pandemic, widening the horizons of those who are willing to study and produce content. 

What would you like to highlight from all the special moments you’ve lived within Spiritism?

I was particularly touched by a talk I gave to our brothers and sisters who live in Dallas. Some of them I already knew, as they were friends of my son João Wlader, who’s lived there for quite a while. I must also say it’s been very gratifying to be invited to speak to our friends in Rio de Janeiro and, consequently, to the rest of Brazil as the events have been broadcast on Spiritist TV channels and other media. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

As I approach the age of 89 (-- I was born on September 3rd, 1934 –) may God grant me a bit more time to continue with my work in Spiritism, mainly helping in efforts to teach and disseminate information from the Spiritist Teachings.