The legacy of the great medium Peixotinho inspires a social project

Born into a Spiritist family in Rio de Janeiro Maria Valéria Santos Terra (photo) lives in Porto Velho, in the northern Brazilian state of Rondônia. She has a degree in Business Administration and specialisation in Marketing. In Porto Velho, she coordinates a range of social projects as the president of the Casa de Peixotinho Spiritist Centre. In this interview, she talks about her links with the legacy of Peixotinho (Francisco Peixoto Lins, 1/Feb/1905 - 16/June/1966), one of the country’s most remarkable mediums, and the charity work he has inspired:

Where does your connection with Peixotinho come from?

It began in 2014, when I was invited by the Irmão Jacob Spiritist Centre, in Porto Velho, to prepare a talk about the life of the late medium. I became spiritually connected with him and his late wife, Baby. After that event, I began dreaming about him, his house and his work and my spirit followed him and his wife, during my sleep, to follow his work in a place I’d never been to. 

In 2018, I took part in a Spiritist event as a volunteer in Rio de Janeiro and I was invited to visit the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, in Rio de Janeiro state, where he lived in the final phase of his life. I had the opportunity then to meet one of his daughters, Alcione, and to visit his house, which was the same I had seen in my dreams. That strengthened my links with the couple, Peixotinho and Baby, and his family. 

Two years later, I was among a group of Spiritists who founded a unit to study the Teachings and provide social assistance to a community in the outskirts of Porto Velho. Peixotinho then appeared to me in spirit to say I should open a new Spiritist Centre where we could work together. And that was the beginning of the Casa de Peixotinho Spiritist Centre. 

What strikes the most in the work of Peixotinho?

His charity work, his detachment from material things, his joy, which was his trademark, as well as his kindness and simplicity. 

Tell us a bit about the Casa de Peixotinho. When was it founded and what are its main priorities?

It was founded on February 1st, 2020, a date chosen for his birth anniversary. It provides material and spiritual assistance to deprived families in the impoverished outskirts of Porto Velho. That’s a legacy from the Peixotinho couple, who practised charity throughout their lives in accordance with the principles of Jesus. We welcome and embrace those in need without prejudice, providing a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere for everyone. We also focus on entrepreneurship, providing an opportunity for the families involved to earn a living after they attend our free courses on sewing, recycling and arts and crafts. 

What would you like to say to the families who are struggling as Brazil goes through such a difficult period?

Only LOVE can provide a solution for us in the hugely tormentous and misguided times we are going through. We shouldn’t fear the moment and we should be guided by the Gospel on all our actions. By doing that we will be showing trust as we face the challenges in our lives. The lack of love towards God, our neighbours and ourselves has put us in situations of great pain and despair. Love is the only solution. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes, that we, Spiritists, must provide a social service to the communities where we are based and be there to help them. It’s not only about giving material things, which, of course, is very important considering the urgent needs that so many people face. But we must do more than that and provide a wider service to the community. And the most important element is the Gospel of Jesus, which must be offered to those who need and seek it. After that, we must provide spiritual education. And we also remember that we have civil and administrative responsibilities. We must establish partnerships with the official bodies, other NGOs and especially with other Spiritist Centres, so we can work together as a more efficient network. Let’s bear in mind the advice of Dr Bezerra de Menezes, who reminded us about the importance of the unity of all spiritists.

Leave us with your final thoughts.

Don’t be intimidated by the world’s events and developments, as they distract us and take away our energy. Evil should not be discussed, as Jesus has taught us, and it must never be experienced or employed to counteract the actions of the Spirits. Spiritists have an opportunity, through their work in the Spiritist Movement, to experience the Kingdom of God on Earth, as they work together to build a better world based on acts of charity, good deeds and by following the great examples of courage and faith.  

Interviewer’s note:

These are the details for those willing to make donations and help Casa de Peixotinho’s social projects:

Address: Rua Ferrari, 2114 - Porto Cristo I Loteamento Ayrton Senna - Bairro Mariana - Porto Velho - Rondônia. 

Telephone: WhatsApp + 55 (69) 99918-2381 and + 55 (69) 98153-3434 (Valéria). 

Bank details: Banco do Brasil – branch 3.796-6 – account 41.000-4 – Casa de Peixotinho 

CNPJ (PIX): 39 807 155/0001-70. (Razão social: Fraternidade Espírita Francisco Peixoto Lins – Casa de Peixotinho)