Ready to uncover a story of faith and community? It’s a tale woven into the very fabric of Rio de Janeiro. We are standing before Tenda Esp\u00edrita Mirim. It stands as a beacon of Umbanda tradition.
Tenda Esp\u00edrita Mirim’s story began in 1920. A young man named Benjamim Gon\u00e7alves Figueiredo had a spiritual awakening. At just 18 years old, he connected with Caboclo Mirim. This marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Together they built what is now Brazil’s oldest Umbanda organization. It has been active without interruption ever since.
Officially, Tenda Esp\u00edrita Mirim was founded on October 13, 1924. Initially, it was known as “Seara Mirim”. Today, it has its own property. The address is Avenida Marechal Rondon 597 in S\u00e3o Francisco Xavier, Rio de Janeiro.
Caboclo Mirim guided Benjamim and his family. He asked them to start mediunic sessions. The goal was to establish Umbanda rituals. After Benjamim’s death, his son Mirim Paulini Figueiredo took over. He was the medium for Caboclo Curumata\u00ed and Tia Maria Redonda.
“Mirinzinho” was a popular and beloved figure. For about 30 years, he led the organization. He upheld the teachings of his father Benjamim. In 2015, Mirim passed away. His wife Jana\u00edna Figueiredo inherited his legacy. She is the current President and General Commander. Jana\u00edna is the medium for Cabocla Jana\u00edna and Vov\u00f3 Maria da Guin\u00e9.
Jana\u00edna leads the Mirim organization. She oversees a mediunic body of about 3000 mediums. They are spread across nine branches. These branches are both within and outside Brazil. Jana\u00edna is committed to preserving the teachings. She ensures the “School of Life” principles endure. A recent renovation reflects this dedication. The organization celebrated its reopening in 2018. This special event honored almost 100 years since Tenda Esp\u00edrita Mirim’s founding.
The Caboclo Mirim gave specific instructions. These instructions guided the behavior of the mediunic body. They applied both within the “School of Life” and in their personal lives.
Here are some of the Caboclo Mirim’s instructions. Open yourself up. Forget material concerns. Speak only when necessary. Do not interfere with others’ behavior. Show respect to everyone. Maintain silence. Don’t mock incorporated entities. Respect beginning mediums.
Tenda Esp\u00edrita Mirim’s main location is in S\u00e3o Francisco Xavier. Public services are held on Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 PM. A monthly Gira takes place on the first Sunday of each month. The organization can be contacted by phone or email. You can also find them on Instagram.
Tenda Esp\u00edrita Mirim has a rich history. The main house was officially founded on October 13, 1924. Benjamim Gon\u00e7alves Figueiredo founded it with Caboclo Mirim. It was in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. The organization first resided on Rua Bela. It then moved to Rua Sotero Reis. Finally, it settled on Rua S\u00e3o Pedro. It eventually established itself as property. This was on the then Rua Cear\u00e1. That is now Avenida Marechal Rondon, 597. It opened there on March 15, 1942.
After structuring the organization, other houses were founded. They carried the name of the “School of Life”. They followed the teachings of Caboclo Mirim. In the 1950s, various branches began to open. These extended beyond Rio de Janeiro state. Historical records show the first branch outside the state opened in Assa\u00ed, Paran\u00e1. By the 1970s, over 30 branches spread Caboclo Mirim’s teachings.
Currently, Tenda Esp\u00edrita Mirim has a headquarters and nine branches. They are mainly in Rio state. These are in Queimados, Nova Igua\u00e7u, Petr\u00f3polis, and Greater Rio. After Benjamim’s death, his son Mirim Paulini Figueiredo took over in 1987. “Mirinzinho” helped develop Tenda Esp\u00edrita Mirim. He led with seriousness and discipline nearly 5,000 mediums. Mirim passed his father’s legacy to his wife Jana\u00edna. She has been the Commander and President since 2015.
Jana\u00edna preserves the teachings of Caboclo Mirim. She also keeps all instructions received through Caboclo Curumata\u00ed by Mirim. He prepared her to lead. She strives to preserve Umbanda and Tenda Esp\u00edrita Mirim’s name. Her commitment to the mediunic body is clear. Her principles keep the memory alive. They honor the Founder and Chieftain. They contributed to elevating Umbanda. They also contributed to elevating the “School of Life” doctrine.
Tenda Esp\u00edrita Mirim remains a place of devotion. It is a testament to enduring faith. The traditions and teachings of Caboclo Mirim live on here. They continue to shape the community. They guide its members toward spiritual growth and service. As we leave this sacred place, may we carry its lessons with us. Let us strive to live with the same dedication. Let us do it with the same compassion that defines Tenda Esp\u00edrita Mirim.