Grêmio Espírita Luz e Amor

Whispers of ‘Dom Romualdo’ fill the air around Grêmio Espírita Luz e Amor. They speak of a fascinating connection to Brazil’s past. Grêmio Espírita Luz e Amor, nestled in the heart of Bangu, Rio de Janeiro, isn’t just a spiritualist center. It’s a place woven into the very fabric of the community. Founded on June 1, 1901, by Francisco Maia Braga, a factory worker, it began humbly. Meetings were held in his small home on Rua Silva Cardoso. A small group of mediums and Spiritism enthusiasts, including Maria Rozalina and Francisco Xavier, gathered there, guided by the teachings of the Brazilian Spiritist Federation and Kardec’s Codification. Through Maria Rozalina, a spirit identifying as Romualdo communicated. He claimed to be the reincarnation of Dom Romualdo de Seixas, former Archbishop of Brazil. From that day forward, Dom Romualdo became the spiritual patron of the newly formed Grêmio Espírita Luz e Amor. Francisco Maia Braga led the group for twenty years. Then came Attílio Berni, Antônio Pereira Guedes, and Vicente Moretti. Moretti served for an impressive thirty years. He became known as a prominent figure in Spiritism within the Santa Cruz Ramal. Beyond these key figures, others contributed significantly. Ignácio Bittencourt traveled from Botafogo every first Sunday of the month for over a decade. He taught Spiritism to the community in the 1920s. Carlos Imbassay, with his extensive knowledge, also provided crucial support during that time. Ernesto Fagundes Varella dedicated himself to initiating classes on Christian morals. In 1917, a Social Assistance Department emerged. It featured a “Help Box” for those in need and a “Spiritual Action” group that visited the sick. Later, in 1933, Grêmio Espírita Luz e Amor established a free primary school named after Romualdo. It was officially recognized and overseen by educational authorities. The school, led by Manuel Brandão, operated until 1960 when the government mandated enrollment in public schools. Brandão, alongside Vicente Moretti, also organized the Grêmio Espírita Luz e Amor’s youth group in 1946. Grêmio Espírita Luz e Amor’s history is rich with prominent Spiritist speakers. Vianna de Carvalho and Carlos Imbassay graced its platform. Even Divaldo Pereira Franco spoke there in the 1960s. Today, located at Rua Silva Cardoso, 673, the Grêmio continues its mission. Close to the Supervia train station and Bangu Shopping, it remains a vibrant hub within the community.