Sonira de Lemos Giosa (photo), is the president of the Fraternal Union Raul Cury in the Brazilian city of Poços de Caldas, where she has lived since 1976. She has worked as a volunteer there for 27 years. In this interview she speaks about the Winter Spiritist Meeting, which will be held in the city later this year.

How was the Winter Spiritist Meeting, one of the highlights of the Spiritist Movement in Poços de Caldas, created?

Our Winter Spiritist Meeting was born from a request by Carlos Pereira, one of the current organisers, who always said we were capable of hosting na event of this magnitude. He used to say that our Spiritist Centre (Raul Cury) had the capacity to produce and organize events. After long discussions, we ended up hosting our first Winter Spiritist meeting, which takes place annually at the end of June.

How do you decide on the programme?

The programme is finalised after meetings with the organisers, which take place every Sunday throughout the year. We are a group of eight people. The aim is to choose subjects related to the basic Works of Allan Kardec.

Do you take into account the fact that Poços de Caldas is an important tourist destination?

Yes, as Poços de Caldas is a famous spa and an important tourist destination it has been easier to organize the event, as we already rely on a good hotel infra-structure.

What are the dates of this year´s event and where will it take place?

Our next meeting will take place on June 29^th and 30^th and July 1^st at the Village Inn Hotel, where those attending will be able to stay. We want to make the most of the infrastructure offered by the hotel, with two amazing meeting rooms that will take our guests with all the comfort necessary. Registration is already open on the event´s website: https://goo.gl/HToSBr.

Is there anything in particular from your experience at these events that you would like to share with our readers?

I would like to say that it is worth organising an event as such as we learn so much in our minds and our hearts. And also, it provides us with a unique opportunity to meet so many people in the Spiritist Movement and also those who sympathise with the Teachings and come searching for more at events like that.

What benefits have this event generated?

It is important to say that many people decide to take part in a weekend of light because of the need they have to expand their knowledge and meet socially people from other places. As a result, many people come to the end of the meeting looking radiant, strengthened by how much they learned and with a light soul. And they are always looking forward to the next event.

Is there anything else you would like to add?