Biographies
Allan Kardec
Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail was born in Lyon on October 3, 1804, from an ancient traditional family in the judiciary and law activities. Allan Kardec (Mr. Rivail adopted pseudonym) did not pursue these careers. From his youth, he felt inclined to study science and philosophy.
Educated at the School of Pestalozzi in Yverdun (Switzerland), he has become one of the most eminent disciples and zealous propagandists of the education system created by Professor Pestalozzi. That system exerted profound influence on the education reform in France and Germany. It was at this school that the ideas begum. Ideas that later would classify him as a progressive and free-thinking person.
Born in the Catholic religion, but educated in a Protestant country, he had to bear acts of intolerance regard to this circumstance. This soon led him to conceive the idea of a religious reformation. He worked in silence for many years to achieve the unification of religious beliefs. He lacked, however, the essential element to solve this major problem. Spiritism came, therefore, to give him a special direction to the work.
After his studies, he returned to France. Knowing deeply the German language, he translated into German a variety of works on education and moral, especially the works of Fénelon, who work had seduced him in a particular way.
He was a member of various academic societies like the Royal Academy of Arras, among others, where in a contest in1831; Mr. Rivail was awarded a remarkable memoir about the following question: What is the system of study in greater harmony with the needs of this age?
From 1835 to 1840, he founded at his home at the Rue de Sèvres, free courses in Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy, Astronomy, and others. An enterprise worthy of commendation in all ages, but especially at a time when only very few people dared to do it.
Among his numerous works on education, can be cited: - Proposed Plan for the improvement of public instruction (1828); - Course of theoretical and practical arithmetic, according to the methods of Pestalozzi, for use by teachers and mothers (1824); - French Classical Grammar (1831); - Handbook of examinations for certificates of capacity (no reference); - Rational solutions for the Arithmetic and Geometry issues and problems (1846); - Catechism of the French language grammar (1848); - Usual program of the Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy and Physiology courses, which he taught at the Lycée Polimático; - Normal examinations of the Municipality and the Sorbone, followed by special Sayings on Orthographic Difficulties (1849), a much appreciated at the time of onset and which were also recently taken new editions.
Before the Spiritsm had become popularized the already used the pseudonym of Allan Kardec. It was adopted because of the very different nature of this work. Although, all of them had the objective to enlighten the masses and uniting them better for their families and countries.
By the year of 1855, he focuses on questions regarding to the spirits manifestations. Kardec devoted to comment on these phenomena, considering, mainly, its philosophical consequences. He had glimpsed at the outset the principle of new natural laws: those governing relations between the visible and invisible world. He acknowledged that the latter was a force of Nature, whose knowledge would shed light on several problems that had been considered insoluble. He understood its extension from a religious point of view.
Kardec’s main works on this subject are: - The Spirit’s Book, referring to philosophical issues and whose first edition appeared on April 18, 1857; - The Medium’s Book about experimental and scientific issues (January 1861); - The Gospel According Spiritism, concerning moral and ethical issues (April 1864); - Heaven and Hell, or God's justice according to Spiritism (August 1865); - Genesis, the Miracles and Predictions (January 1868); - The Spiritist Journal, a monthly periodical magazine about psychological studies that had started in January 1, 1858 until 1963.
Founded in Paris on April 1, 1858, the first Spiritist Society under the name of the Parisian Society of Spiritist Studies, with purpose of contributes to the advance of this new science. Allan Kardec defended himself for having written something under no influence of preconceived ideas or systematic. Being a man of cool and calm character, he observed the facts and deduced the laws that govern them. He was the first to present a theory regarding such facts organized in the form of a doctrine body, methodical and regular. Demonstrating that the facts erroneously classified as supernatural, are actually subject to natural laws, and therefore, being a natural phenomena. Thus, the last refuge of wonder and element of superstitions, were destroyed.
During the early years of the spiritual phenomena observation it was an object of curiosity rather than a topic of serious meditation. The Spirits’ Book caused the subject to be considered under a totally different aspect. Abandoning the turning tables, which were only a prelude, and began to look at the doctrine that covers many issues concerning to humanity.
The foundation day of Spiritism dates to the appearance of The Spirits’ Book. Until then most people could not grasp the uncoordinated and scattered elements regarding to spiritual phenomenon. From that moment, the doctrine attracted the attention of serious men and took a rapid development. In a few years, those ideas gained numerous followers in all social strata and in many countries. That unprecedented success was due, undoubtedly, of the sympathy that such ideas inspired and to the clarity with which they were presented in the Allan Kardec’s writings.
By avoiding the abstract formulas of Metaphysics, Kardec made a text easy to read, something essential for the dissemination of ideas. On all the controversial points, his arguments of pure logic, lead little room for refutation and predisposes to conviction. Physical evidence that Spiritism presents of the existence of the soul and future life tends to destroy the materialistic and pantheistic ideas. One point of this doctrine, the plurality of existences, was foreseen by ancient and modern philosophers, like John Reynaud, Charles Fourier, Eugene Sue, and others. While the previous philosophies remained as hypothesis, the Spiritism had demonstrated its reality by proves, and showed that this principle is one of the essential attributes of humanity. From this point of view all the apparent anomalies of human life - all inequalities in intellectual, moral and social attributes - are explained. It allows man to know where he comes from and to where he will go, the meaning of live on Earth and why there is suffering.
Innate ideas are explained by the knowledge acquired in previous lives. This also explains the march of peoples and of humanity itself, which occurs through the action of men that revive old former relations. These relations, which reunite the great human family of all ages, provide a base for the principles of fraternity, equality, freedom and universal solidarity. The very laws of nature are not mere theory.
Instead of blind faith, which nullifies the freedom to think, Kardec says: There is no unwavering faith, but that which can look reason face to face in all ages. To faith is necessary a base that is the perfect intelligence of that belief. To believe, not just watch, we must above all understand. Blind faith is no longer suit for this century. It is precisely due to the dogma of blind faith that there are now such a large number of unbelievers, because it requires and demands the abolition of one of the most precious faculties of man: the reasoning and free will.
Allan Kardec was a tireless worker, until his death on March 31, 1869, while preparing himself to change for a larger place due to the considerable extension of his many tasks. Many work almost completed, or not yet published, will same day show even more the extent of his concepts.
Although the man, Allan Kardec, is no longer present, his memory and work will always be with those who wield the standard that he always knew how to comply.
In short, Kardec is an individual's work was flourishing. It was the guide and the beacon of all. On Earth, the work will substitute the worker and so the believers will not gather around Allan Kardec but around the Spiritism, as he has structured. With his advice and influence, we can move forward with firm steps to blissful stage promised to a regenerated humanity.
Biography from the book Posthumous Works - source: http://www.autoresespiritasclassicos.com
:: Back::Emmanuel
Description of Emmanuel, by Chico Xavier:
"I remember that in 1931, in one of our regular meetings, I saw by my side for the first time the meek Spirit Emmanuel. I was psychographing, at that time, the productions of the first mediumship book, received through my humble abilities. And I was experiencing the symptoms of serious eye disease."
"By him the old man's facial features, feeling my soul wrapped in the softness of his presence, but what impressed me most was that the generous entity made visible to me, inside of light reflections that had the shape of a cross. To my natural questions the good guide answered me: ‘Rest! When you feel stronger, I intend to also collaborate in the dissemination of the spiritual philosophy. I have always followed your steps and only now you see me in your present existence, but our spirits are united by holy living bonds and the affective feeling that compels me to your heart is rooted deep in the night of ages...’"
"This statement was an immense comfort to me, and since that time, I constantly feel the presence of this invisible friend. He is directing to my medium activities, is always at our side at all difficult times, helping us to think better on the way through our earthly existence. His promise to cooperate in the spreading of the consoling doctrine of spirits has been completely fulfilled. Since 1933, Emmanuel has produced, through me, the most different pages on different subjects. Prompted by our brothers to rule about this or that issue, I notice on him always the highest degree of tolerance, kindness and gentleness. He is always addressing any problems with the utmost respect for the freedom and ideas of others. When asked to identify himself, he repeatedly dodged delicately, saying private and respectable reasons. However, he had been at its final passage by the planet, a Catholic priest, disembodied in Brazil. Taking his dissertations to the distant past, he claims to have lived at the time of Jesus, when he was called Publius Lentulus. And indeed, Emmanuel, in all circumstances, has given to those who seek, the testimony of great experience and great culture."
"Often when I stand in relation to the memories of my past lives and feelings of anguish are in my heart, I feel from him a friendly and comforting word. Emmanuel brings me to ancient ages and explains the whys for the great and small tribulations of every moment. I get it consistently, with his assistance, an indescribable comfort. That is how I renew my energies to the thorny mediumship task, in which we are still so misunderstood."
We can have a better understanding of Emmanuel through his works "Há dois mil anos” (two thousand years ago - ISBN 85-7328-074-3), and "Cinquenta anos depois” (fifty years later – ISBN 85-7328-367-X). These books are true masterpieces of mediumship literature and history.
Emmanuel also lived under the personality of Manoel da Nobrega, reborn on October 18, 1517, in Sanfins, Portugal. On January 25, 1554, he was one of the main founders of the São Paulo city, Brazil. He was also the founder of the Salvador city, Bahia, Brazil's first capital. The information that Emmanuel would have been Priest Manoel da Nobrega was given by Emmanuel himself in several communications. Emmanuel was also part of the phalanx of the Spirit of truth, which brought to earth a restored Christianity, definition of Spiritism. In the "Gospel According to Spiritism”, of Allan Kardec, there is an Emmanuel’s message received in Paris, 1861, entitled The Selfishness (Chapter XI - 11).
Besides the two previous mentioned historical books, there is "Paulo e Estevão” (Paul and Stephen - ISBN 85-7328-365-5), a work which according to Herculano Pires justify by itself the mediumship mission of Francisco Cândido Xavier. "Ave Cristo” (Ave Christ - ISBN 85-7328-366-1) and "Renuncia” (waiver, ISBN-10 85-7328-363-7) along with the aforementioned, help us understand the birth of Christianity and then its gradual adulteration.
Biography taken from the Spiritist Group of Advanced Studies (GEAE)
:: Back::Chico Xavier
Francisco Cândido Xavier, better known as Chico Xavier, is consider the greats psychographer medium of all time. He was born in Pedro Leopoldo, a small town in Minas Gerais - Brazil, on April 2, 1910. He was the son of a poor and uneducated worker, João Cândido Xavier, and a maid named Maria João de Deus. She died in 1915 when the little boy had only five years old. At the age of nine, his father, now remarried, had employed Chico as an apprentice in a fabric industry. In the morning, he attended to the public elementary school until before 11 hours, and then worked at the factory until 2 o'clock in the dawn. He had barely learned how to read and write. When he completed the short course of public school, he got a job in a store as a cashier, and later, as a dishwasher. In 1933 Dr. Romulo Jovian, administrator of the Model Farm of the Ministry of Agriculture, in Pedro Leopoldo, gave to the young Xavier a modest job on the farm. There Chico joins public service in 1935, having served consecutively until the late fifties, when he was retired as clerk typist for disability (incurable disease of the eyes). At the end of the fifties, he moved to Uberaba – MG as a medical advice for his health. Chico remained there until his death, and had lived only with his lean retirement salary.
His mediumship (natural ability to be an intermediary between the material and the spiritual plane) had started when she was 4 years old by clairvoyance and clairaudience. He was used of seeing and hearing spirits and chatted with them without the slightest suspicion that they were not normal men of our world. Already as a young man and later as adult, often he could not immediately differentiate men from spirits. When he was 17 the Spirits Group Luiz Gonzaga was founded, there he quickly developed the psychographic ability (ie. the ability to write messages from spirits). By that time, he broke up with the Catholic Church where he took the first steps in spirituality, but where he could not found explanation for the phenomena that happen with him, including the pursuit of lower spirits that had been targeted. The priest who heard his confession was a counselor, a real father and not dissuaded him from the path in Spiritualism, even blessed it, and never stopped being his friend.
In the spiritual center Chico began to psychograph remarkable poems of famous dead poets, in a literary level so high that the group members themselves could not understand its full content. Many of these poets were totally unknown, including some Portuguese: António Nobre, Antero de Quental, Guerra Junqueira and João de Deus. On July 9, 1932, was published the famous “PARNASO DE ALÉM-TÚMULO” (ISBN 978-85-7328-649-6), his first psychographed work. That would shake the intellectual circles in Brazil and make known the quiet Pedro Leopoldo.
Over a
thousand spiritual entities gave communications
through Chico’s blessed hands, proving the immortality of the
Spirit and its communicability with men. But to speak of Chico Xavier
is talking about EMMANUEL that is indelibly linked to his mission. This
venerable Spirit was Chico spiritual protector; he had manifested for
the first time ostensibly in 1931, and accompanied Chico to his
disincarnation. Regarding this spiritual Benefactor, the medium himself
tells us: "I remember that in one of our first contacts, he warned me
that he wanted to work with me for long time. But I should, above all,
seek the teachings of Jesus and the teachings of Allan Kardec. He said
that if one day he, Emmanuel, advise me something that did not agree
with the words of Jesus and Kardec, that I should stay with Jesus and
Kardec, and try to forget him."
Emmanuel also proposes to the young Xavier three more conditions to
work with him: the first condition, DISCIPLINE; the 2nd condition,
DISCIPLINE; and the 3rd condition, DISCIPLINE. In 1943 a new spiritual
entity began to use his mediumship, and sign their messages with the
name Andre Luiz. André Luiz is the pseudonym of a spirit who
was
a physician and scientist in his last life, and passed away at a clinic
in Rio de Janeiro by the beginning of 1930's. He is considered the real
reporter from beyond the grave. He reported on a series of 11 books,
his experiences, the initial difficulties, the reunion with relatives
and friends who preceded him on the spiritual journey, his observations
and study expeditions along with highly elevated spirits. These reports
begin with the now famous book 'Nosso Lar' (the name of a city from in
the spiritual plane), now translated into several languages, including
Japanese and Esperanto.
The monumental work of Chico Xavier who according his own words: were a humble servant - humble towards personal worthlessness, was never used for his material benefit. All copyrights were transferred to spiritualists institutions, including the Brazilian Spiritist Federation, and charities. When public authorities grant him citizenship titles (more than one hundred have been granted to him). He used to say that the merit was not for him but for the spirits, and especially for the Doctrine that revive Jesus teachings on its fullness. He was just an obscure post in which the warning sign, that the Doctrine was awarded by these public consideration, could be hanged on.
It should also be noted that several hundred charity organizations have been created and inspired by his example and work: orphanages, schools for the poor, homes for the disabled, soup kitchens, pound campaigns, medical clinics, adult literacy, libraries, etc..These are some of the biography features of this selfless benefactor who gave up everything to make the world a little better, and goes by the simple name of Chico Xavier. Darling medium disembodied in 2002, leaving a priceless legacy for future generations.
Biography taken from www.espiritismogi.com.br
:: Back::Divaldo Pereira Franco
Divaldo
is a true apostle of Spiritualism. Of his eighty years, sixty were
devoted to the Spiritist cause and excluded children on the Salvador
periphery. He was born in May 5, 1927, on Feira de Santana - Bahia, and
since childhood he was able to communicate with spirits. He attended to
the Rural Normal School of Feira de Santana, receiving the diploma of
elementary school teacher in 1943. He worked as a clerk in the old
IPASE in Salvador, retiring in 1980.He is known as one of the greatest Spiritualist medium and speaker of today, and the largest Spiritism advertise man throughout the world. His résumé reveals an accomplished and devoted educator with more than 600 foster children and 200 grandchildren. He also assist currently about 3,000 children, teenagers and young adults from low-income, per day, in semi-boarding and day school.
As a speaker he gave more than 11,000 conferences in over 2,000 cities throughout Brazil and 62 countries, providing more than 1,100 radio and TV interviews in more than 450 stations. He received over 700 honors from cultural, social, religious, political and governmental institutions. As a medium, he published 202 books that sold more than 8 million copies, which presents 211 Spiritual Authors, many of them occupying a prominent place in literature, religion and universal thought. These works received 92 versions in 16 languages (German, Albanian, Catalan, Spanish, Esperanto, French, Dutch, Hungarian, English, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Czech, Turkish, Russian, Swedish and Braille). In addition, there are 17 books written by other authors about his life and work. The income from the sale of these works and copyrights have been donated (in Registry) to the 'Mansão do Caminho' (Mansion of the Way) and other charity institutions.
Convinced spiritualist, he founded the Spiritual Center 'Caminho da Redenção' (Path of Redemption) on September 7, 1947. Two years later, he began his psychographic tasks. Back then, several messages were written through him, but he was oriented by Spiritual Benefactors to kept what he wrote for himself. One day however, he received the recommendation to burn everything he had written up because they were nothing more than simple exercise. Nevertheless, he continued receiving new messages signed by several spirits, including: Joanna de Angelis, who have long presented herself as 'A Friend Spirit,' hiding in anonymity waiting for the opportune moment for her identification. Joanna turned out to be Divaldo's spiritual protector, and wrote numerous messages in a pleasant style that transmitted deep wisdom and infinite love, which comforts the needy people giving spiritual guidance.
In 1964, under the guidance of Joanna de Angelis, Divaldo select multiple messages authored by his mentor and made the book 'Messe de Amor', his first book. Currently, the medium has published 202 titles, beyond the biographies that portray his life and work.
Biography taken from www.divaldofranco.com
:: Back::Bezerra de Menezes
Adolfo
Bezerra
de Menezes was born in the former city of Blood Creek (now Jaguaretama)
in Ceará State, on August 29, 1831. And passed away in Rio
de
Janeiro, on April 11, 1900.His medical training was completed in 1856, on the Faculty of Medicine of Rio de Janeiro. In 1858, he ran for a spot as Substitute Lecturer on the Surgery Section of the Faculty of Medicine. That same year, the master Manuel Feliciano Pereira de Carvalho, then Surgeon-Major of the Army, made him his assistant with the rank of Surgeon Lieutenant.
He was elected municipal councilor for the Liberal Party in 1861, but his election was contested by the Conservative leader Haddock Lobo, because he was a military doctor. In order to serve his party, which required him to have a majority in the House, he decided to depart from the Army. In 1867 he was elected General Deputy, having also figured in a list of three candidates for a career in the Senate.
Temporarily away from the political activity, he devoted himself to business, and created the Railroad Company Macae-Campos, in the then Province of Rio de Janeiro. Later, he concentrated on building the railroad from St. Anthony of Padua, intending to take it to Rio Doce, without accomplishing it. He was also one of the directors of the Architectural Society, that opened in 1872 the 'Boulevard September 28,' on the former district of Vila Isabel. In 1875, he was the president of the Society of St.Christopher Carril. Returning to politics, was elected city Councilman in 1876, exercising the mandate until 1880. It was also the Mayor and General Deputy for the Province of Rio de Janeiro, in 1880.
When Dr. Carlos Travassos undertook the translation of 'The Spirits' Book of Allan Kardec' into Portuguese, he offered a copy with a dedication to Bezerra de Menezes. On August 16, 1886, in the hall of honor of the Old Guard, was filled with about two thousand of the finest people of the society. They listened in silence, overwhelmed and stunned the golden words of the eminent politician, physician, citizen, and Catholic Dr. Adolfo Bezerra de Menezes, proclaiming his adherence to Spiritualism. He was a truly religious in the highest sense. Therefore, he made to serve the religious aspects of Spiritualism since the first article written in January 1887.
For his ability in the philosophical literature, evidenced by the replicas and doctrinal studies, Bezerra de Menezes was commissioned by the Committee of Advertising of the Spiritist Union of Brazil to write a series of articles under the title 'Spiritualism - Philosophical Studies.' They were published on Sundays newspaper, O Paiz, directed by Quentin Bocaiuva and a traditional organ of the Brazilian press. Those articles by Max, Menezes pseudonym, marked the golden age of spiritualist advertising in Brazil. These articles have been published without interruption from 1886 to 1893.
In the year 1883, reigned an dispersive atmosphere within the Brazilian Spiritism. And those who ran the Spirits' core in Rio de Janeiro felt the need for greater unity. Because the Spiritist Centers worked autonomously, each one of them exercised their activity in a particular area, careless to know the activities of others. This led to the foundation of the Brazilian Spiritist Federation (FEB).
In 1893, an armed revolt in the country caused the closing of all Spiritualists societies. And at Christmas of that year, Bezerra closed the series of articles that had been published in the 'O Paiz.' In 1894, things got better and Bezerra was the only one who could unify the Spiritists` family. Thus, the indefatigable fighter with 63 years of age, became president of the FEB, a position he held until April 11, 1900, when he passed away victim of a violent attack of cerebral congestion. By virtue of his charitable and helpful spirit, Menezes earned the nickname of 'The Doctor of the Poor.'
Bezerra de Menezes had the charge of physicians as a true priesthood, so he said: 'A doctor does not have the right to end a meal, or to choose hours, or to ask whether is near or far when distress slam on his door. He may not mind to be with visits, or too tired, the bad path or time. But, those that ask a car to whom cannot even pay the revenue, or say for those who cries to seek another person, those are not doctors. Those are medicine dealers, working to gather capital and interests expended on graduation. This unfortunate person, sends away the charity angel that came to visit him. The angel that offers the only thing that you'll never be lost in the come-and-going of life - the quench for the thirst of wealth of his Spirit.'
Biography taken from Spiritist Group of Advanced Studies (GEAE)
:: Back::Léon Denis
Léon Denis was
born in
France on 1 January 1846, in Foug, region of Alsace Lorraine, but at
age 16 moved to Tours where he lived all his life. He had an exemplary
life, in which knew from early childhood the material difficulties and
hard work. But he also knew how to appreciate and value beautiful
things: the Hearth, the natural beauty and treasures of the
civilization of his country. Although difficult for young workers to
have access, the books brought him knowledge that dazzled and made him
"travel "the world using the priceless riches of human thought.At age 18, he met "The Spirits' Book" by Allan Kardec. Shortly thereafter, he attended a lecture in Tours given by the Spiritist Doctrine encoder. The conference took place in the garden under the starlight, and Kardec spoke about obsession. Since then Denis gave all the powers of his soul to the study and dissemination of the Spiritist Doctrine. In that imperturbable spirit he crosses all the storms of his life: wars (including World War I), blindness, criticism, loss of beloved ones, etc. Always firm in his position, he wrote books and articles, gave lectures and chaired conferences, always enlightening, comforting and encouraging people. "Ever higher!" It was the motto that his spiritual guide, Jerome de Praga, gave to guide his life. This example he gathered from the life of his beloved "sorella," the heroine Joanna d'Arc. This motto he gives to us all. His life was so completely consistent with his work, which earned him the title "Apostle of Spiritualism."
Already with 81 years old, but fully active, he rushes to finish the book "The Celtic Genius and the Unseen World," to deliver it to their editors. He did not come to see it published. He departs to the spiritual plane, where his mission continues. "Called to the space" Denis follows victorious, and from there he remains clarifying, consoling and encouraging: "Man! My brother! Let's go to the highest! Ever higher!"
Biography taken from Centro Espírita Léon Denis
:: Back::Centro Espírita Emmanuel. Rua Humberto de Campos, 177 - Centro - São Bernardo do Campo - São Paulo - Brasil
"Fé inabalável é somente aquela que pode encarar a razão face a face, em todas as épocas da humanidade." (Allan Kardec)
