A Spiritist worker shares her experiences in the Spiritist Movement

Liz Maria Rajab (photo) is the current president of the Ismael Spiritist Centre, one of the oldest Spiritist organisations in the Brazilian city of Araraquara, in the state of São Paulo. She has a degree in Biochemical Pharmacy and worked for many years in the industry, before retiring. She is a well-known, dedicated member of the local Spiritist Movement. In this interview, she shares with our readers some of her experiences:

How did you become a Spiritist?

It’s often said that you will find Spiritism either through pain or through love. I found it thanks to an invitation from my parents. I was 15 years old at the time and attended a Catholic youth group. Even though I enjoyed it and liked the people there, something inside my heart kept telling me that something was missing. My parents had already become active members of the Spiritist Movement and, as good educators, they felt the need to show me other possibilities. And one Sunday morning I agreed to go along with my parents to a talk at the Obreiros do Bem Spiritist Centre, here in Araraquara. I loved it. That’s how I came into contact with Spiritism for the first time. 

What strikes you the most in Spiritism?

The coherence of its core principles and the kindness of the Spirits who teach us. Also, how straightforward and clear Allan Kardec is in his approach to all subjects, leaving room for us to reach our conclusions, as he used to say, and leaving no room for doubt. It has become increasingly clear to me that we need to read and study the Spiritist books so we are truly able to understand life. 

You have dedicated your work in Spiritism to studies, seminars and live webcasts. What have you learned from all these events and, more recently, the online broadcasts?

It’s been so many experiences. I’ve learned a great deal. Firstly, that “I know nothing,” as Socrates taught us. So, for each subject or issue that I have to work on, I can see a range of opportunities opening up. Secondly, being in frequent contact with other people who are also learning and working in the dissemination of Spiritism is a wonderful experience. And thirdly, we must realise how important it is to share and cooperate with each other. We must work together, not in isolation, to propagate Spiritism. After all, the codification of Spiritism was the result of a collective effort. 

Tell us about the different courses you have attended, from the first youth groups to the mediumship seminars.

It’s been a long journey and there’s still a long way to go. We must understand that children are not recently-created beings, but, instead, recently-born creatures. As St Augustin said, a child comes from the space to develop. When we teach a child the Gospel, we are, therefore, “approaching that soul to God,” to quote St Augustin again. The parents must also be involved, as well as the teachers in Spiritist Centres. As for the issue of mediumship, I’ve faced huge challenges. And many others will certainly come. Time is on our side if we are able to use it well with dedication and discipline. 

What is the most memorable event of life within Spiritism?

There’ve been many, but let’s talk about one particular moment that I keep in my memory. Once I was talking about God and the creation of the universe in an evangelisation group for children. And, in child speak, I used the term cosmic dust, showing a picture and explaining that God is the Supreme Intelligence and the first cause of all things. A few days later we went to visit the observatory in a neighbouring city, São Carlos, to conclude our course. As soon as we went into the building, we all saw a picture of the previously-mentioned cosmic dust. The children jumped up and down. They were so happy and shared with everyone around what they had already learned. There’s no bigger happiness than the genuine joy of children. To this day I get emotional when I remember that day. 

Tell us a bit more about the Ismael Spiritist Centre.

It’s one of the oldest Spiritist Centres in the city of Araraquara. It began, as it was common at the time, in the home of one of the mediums. It was later transferred to its current location. It’s not a huge area, it’s a small house. But I can say that, without a shadow of a doubt, it’s a Spiritist Centre that reaches well beyond the brick walls of its building. We give a strong priority to the study groups, which are now being held online. The only exceptions are the study groups focusing on The Mediums’ Book and Dialogue with the Shadows, which we do in person, on the same day of our mediumship meetings. We also carry out charity projects for people in need and we have our regular public talks online.