Religiosidade e caridade no Centro Espírita Bezerra de Menezes

Abstract

This research has as main objective to understand the practice of charity realized by the Brazilian spiritists. Using Oral History and field research as a methodology, the Bezerra de Menezes Spiritist Center will be the object of study of this work. The expansion and consolidation of Spiritism in Brazil occurs mainly in the middle / upper classes and among people of a higher level of education. Realizing the needs and needs that existed in Brazil, the first followers of Spiritism will put into practice the teachings of the Spiritist Doctrine, in places where the absence of the State was felt. In this way Spiritism in Brazil develops as the main characteristic the practice of charity, which at the beginning is very focused on medical care. Within this practice Dr. Adolfo Bezerra de Menezes, or simply "Dr. Bezerra de Menezes ", will begin his work within the Spiritist Doctrine. Soon afterwards, he becomes a very important figure in Brazilian Spiritism. He was one of the first presidents of the FEB (Brazilian Spiritist Federation) in the years of 1896. He will also begin the practice of organizing the weeks studies in the Spiritist Centers, the studies were scientific, philosophical and mainly religious of the doctrine, studies that exist until today in the Spiritist Centers of Brazil. Another important public figure within the scenario of Brazilian Spiritism was Francisco Cândido Xavier, who left a very extensive legacy of literary works. Chico Xavier will have as charac- teristics of his works charisma and charity. For him the main teaching of the Doctrine and the main Divine Law is charity. The Spiritist Center "Bezerra de Menezes" of the capital of São Luís-MA was chosen as an object of study because it has characteristics typical of Brazilian Spiritism, when associating religion and charity develops the practice of the Spiritist Doctrine, with studies of doctrine and with the philanthropic work together to the surrounding community and elsewhere in the city.