Gerson Sestini:  

“The knowledge of Spiritism gives you a new approach
to the Universe”

Our fellow Spiritist based in Rio de Janeiro talks about two of
the greatest names of Brazilian Spiritism: Altivo Pamphiro
and Yvonne A. Pereira

	Gerson Sestini (photo), a retired Biology and Sciences teacher, became a Spiritist when he was a teenager in his native São Paulo state. He was a personal friend of Yvonne Pereira and Altivo Pamphiro.  In  Rio  de  Janeiro, where he has lived since 1966,
he founded a Spiritist Group in Copacabana, Consolador – Comunidade Espírita Cristã. In this interview he talks about two of the greatest names in Brazilian Spiritism:

Altivo Pamphiro, who discarnated in 2006, left a great legacy in Rio de Janeiro, where he is known for founding the Leon Denis Spiritist Centre. Tell us a bit more about this remarkable figure of Brazilian Spiritism. 

He had great charisma and determination. His mediumship and contagious energy attracted many people to Spiritism. He was celibate and dedicated his life to his mission. 

What is in your opinion the greatest legacy he has left? 

His perseverance and dedication to help other people. These were the principles, the lever behind all his words and actions, an example to all of those who were willing to understand the Gospel according to the Spiritist Teachings. The Leon Denis Spiritist Centre and the publishing house he founded are a testimony of his work for a better world. He work had till the very end of his incarnation. 

What would you like to highlight from you friendship? 

I met him during a visit to Yvonne Pereira and he made an immediate impression on me, even though at the time I knew nothing about his work. Years later, we were “introduced” at the Leon Denis. We recognised each other and became great friends. In 1972, in a visit through São Paulo state, I took him to the city of Matão, so he could get to know the great work initiated by the Spiritist pioneer, Cairbar Schutel. That inspired him to begin the work of disseminating Spiritism, with the publishing house. He eventually helped us set up the Spiritist Group in Copacabana. 

And what would you say about your friendship with Yvonne Pereira. What would you like to share with our readers? 

After we became friends, Yvonne was the great inspiration and guidance for our project, o Consolador. She gave us support at difficult times, in the difficult task of setting up a Spiritist Centre in such a populous neighbourhood, where space is so scarce and expensive.  

How was Yvonne in her daily life? 

She was a happy medium, spontaneous, generous and patient with everyone who looked for her help. In many occasions she opened her heart to me, sharing her anxieties and hopes of achieving internal peace, which was the main aim of her difficult incarnation. But she was honest, firm and rational when it came to dealing with matters concerning Spiritism. Her kindness and humility always stayed with those who came close to her. She was always encouraging and pushing everyone forward in the battles of life. 

What could you say about Yvonne in order to raise awareness and curiosity over her amazing works, written in trance as a medium? 

Anyone who heard her talking about her books, especially the magnificent novels based in real events, was inevitably attracted to the history behind it. I recently saw an extract of her book, “Nas Voragens do Pecado”, in an official Brazilian textbook. It was about the fatidic San Bartholomew’s night, the slaughter of the Hugenots, in 1572. When I told Yvonne that her books would survive the test of times and be read throughout the coming centuries, she used to give me a shy smile. In Rio de Janeiro’s Book Fair, in 2003, her “Memórias de um Suicida” (Memories of a Suicide) was the best selling Spiritist book, and most of those buying were young people. 

As for your own books… How many have you published? 

I have published four books, two of them as a co-author. One of them was about Yvonne Pereira, another one about Chico Xavier. And I am about to publish another book about Cairbar Schutel. I also write for the “Consolador”, a newsletter published every three months. 

What aspect of Spiritism mean the most to you? 

The knowledge of Spiritism gives you a new approach to the Universe and enables people to get to know their inner self. It shows you where you come from and where we are all going to, as immortal beings. O true Spiritist does not fear the future, even when facing the most challenging obstacles, apparently impossible to be overcome. True Spiritists know they will triumph in the end and will find happiness in his journey. 

What is your assessment of the Spiritist Movement? 

Considering the level of knowledge of spiritual matter and the moral development of humankind, we cannot really expect Spiritism to be growing exponentially. Each individual has their free will. Many Spiritists, many mediums are still vain, self-centred and lack a proper theoretical basis, which is natural as Spiritism becomes more and more popular in Brazil. But the Spiritist Movement overall is doing well in our country. In other countries, it is still lagging behind, and I believe the main reason the fact that so many people are still focused on a hedonistic and materialistic lifestyle. 

Your final thoughts, please. 

I thank you for this opportunity. I am simply a humble worker in the Spiritist Movement, with huge responsibility resting on my shoulders for having had the privilege of meeting and working with pioneers and missionaries such as Chico Xavier, Yvonne A Pereira, Vinícius, Roque Jacintho, Heigorina Cunha, Altivo C. Pamphiro and so many others. One day I will have to account for the tasks I was assigned in this existence.