JUNE NEWSLETTER 2026 FACING PROBLEMS Written by José Manuel Meseguer There is no human being who does not face problems. They are part of the very nature of a being in evolution. A problem is a challenge for the spirit that seeks to progress—to advance upon its path. Nothing is achieved without work or effort. When one obstacle has been overcome, another appears—and then another, and so on throughout the course of existence; indeed, this continues even beyond the physical body, for in the spiritual realm, too, one works and advances—just as much, if not more, than here. They often serve as trials designed to awaken patience, intelligence, acceptance, perseverance, and faith… We are the product of a past filled with experiences and trials, and we find ourselves at the precise point—the exact place—needed to continue growing, guided by a spiritual blueprint wisely designed for our own benefit. We possess the tools, the raw materials; all that remains is for us to set to work… It is a burden that is personal and non- transferable. No one else can shoulder our load; likewise, we cannot resolve or bear the burdens of others—no matter how deeply we may wish to offer them aid. However, we are never truly alone. In The Spirits’ Book, the spirits state, “The influence of spirits is greater than you imagine, for very often it is they who guide you.” This signifies that assistance is always available to us… Yet, sometimes it is necessary to possess the humility to reach out to others—to draw upon the experience of those who have navigated similar circumstances—and to receive their counsel and guidance. Undoubtedly, whenever we succeed in resolving a significant problem, it represents a remarkable advancement for the spirit. It constitutes a lesson that endows us with maturity and experience, thereby equipping us to face new challenges—challenges that are bound to arise, sooner or later. Learn to resolve them, so that you may live sooner in peace. Resolving life’s problems… enables a relative happiness; the kind which we can aspire to in this world, and, upon our eventual return to the spiritual realm. There are no magic formulas, nor are there extraordinary remedies. The true miracle lies within our own soul—that potential we all harbor deep inside, waiting to be stimulated so that it may blossom… We already possess the necessary tools to make this happen: namely, willpower, effort, persistent labor and faith in the Creator. 2 Spiritist Society of Florida, June Newsletter 2026 (Excerpt from article dated 07/14/2021, Association for Spiritual Studies- Villena Group in Alicante, Spain. Translated & edited by Y. Limoges. www.amorpazycaridad.org.es ) Discipline of Thought & Inner Transformation Written by Léon Denis “…thought is creative. It does not act only around us, influencing our fellow beings either in good or in a bad way; it acts especially within ourselves… We shape our soul and its envelope by our own thoughts.” “There is no subject more important than the study of thought, its powers, and its actions. Thought is the initial cause of our elevation or our fall; it devises all the discoveries of science, all the wonders of art, but also all the miseries and shames of humanity. According a given impulse, it founds or destroys empires, characters or consciences. Humans…are only worth what their thoughts are worth. Through it, our works and deeds radiate and continue through the centuries.” (Excerpts from his Problem of Life & Destiny, Part 3, Ch. XXIV; Translated by H.M. Monteiro, published by US Spiritist Council, copyright 2018) OUR THOUGHTS – a Spirit Communication Science has begun to uncover the importance, influence, and true nature of thoughts and feelings—not only for the individual who generates them, but also for all those who attune themselves to them… [see emotional contagion] It is of paramount importance that science—specifically those specializing in human behavior— recognize thoughts and feelings as actual forces rather than mere abstract concepts…for they are forces—energies that shape and condition the lives of all human beings. Generally speaking, we live immersed in the very atmosphere we ourselves create through our own thoughts and emotions. If these are noble and elevated, a sense of inner balance naturally emerges within the individual; conversely, if they consist of distorted thoughts, toxic emotions, or sentiments stemming from moral imperfections— such as anger, resentment, vengeance, or hatred— then, without a doubt, the energies generated by these feelings are destructive. They act as toxic poisons that affect the perispirit [our spiritual/astral body] and ultimately our physical well-being… In addition… we must not forget that within the specific places where we live and spend our time, interactions occur among individuals that logically foster particular states of energy: positive or negative, favorable or unfavorable, unpleasant or anxiety-inducing. Any place where a living being manifests, thinks, feels, or acts becomes imbued with a portion of that being's energy. When living beings gather, the environment becomes wholesome, uplifting, prosperous, joyful and harmonious— OR, it can be depressing, toxic, negative, and detrimental… We breathe and live within the spiritual environment we ourselves emanate and create. In conclusion, we should try to pay close attention to the matter of negative influences, thoughts, and feelings that come our way—not only from the spiritual realm; but also, from those in our world who, out of envy, jealousy or other issues, are unable to control their own minds and can affect us. Let us, therefore, work on purifying our thoughts and feelings, not only for our health, our inner balance, and our spiritual upliftment, but also so with the level of spiritual energy we possess, we can face any difficulty that may arise. 3 Spiritist Society of Florida, June Newsletter 2026 (Excerpt from communication dated 10/24/23, Association for Spiritual Studies-Villena Group in Alicante, Spain. Translated by Y. Limoges. www.amorpazycaridad.org.es ) HOPE Written by Fermín Hernández Hope, naturally, is another of the many human values ​​that every person carries within. Hope is implicit in our personality much like our skin and cells; it may seem invisible, yet I believe there is no human being who does not harbor some hope. For without hope in something, it is as if we were dead; something essential is missing. We lack the very breath of life—not merely living for oneself, but living for others as well; witnessing the progress of our children, neighbors, and communities…and even the world… There are people who live with the hope of seeing joy, enthusiasm, peace, and forgiveness in others… A father/caretaker may have no personal ambitions, yet he devotes himself entirely to his children; he works and worries for them, educates them, and so on, all so that—as the fruit of a lifetime of dedication—he might one day see them as upright, self-assured individuals capable of success. That hope is what keeps him alive and full of anticipation; it gives meaning to his life—a life defined by example, effort, dignity, and honor. Consider, too, the mother/caretaker who holds nothing in this world but the child in her arms—facing a horizon of pain, struggle, and sacrifice. Yet, her love for that child and the hope of providing a future and a dignified life will enable her to overcome obstacles and difficulties; hope will be the foundation upon which she builds their future and shapes their character. In this way, we could find countless examples, knowing that living without hope is not truly living; it is abandoning oneself and failing to value the treasure that is life. Today, more than ever, is the time to cherish boundless hope, for so many established frameworks are collapsing and new challenges are emerging that must be faced with a united front: diseases, catastrophes, levels of destitution undreamed…conflicts between nations, and the proven inadequacy of various political and economic systems… It must simply learn to live in community, peace, and harmony, transcending differences and embracing a guiding principle that stands above all others: forgiveness, tolerance, and mutual aid. What one country or people lacks, another possesses; just as with individuals, so it is with nations or states—no single one is indispensable, yet all are necessary… Consequently, the more desolation and lovelessness weigh upon us, the greater the doses of hope and enthusiasm we must summon to counter the malignant campaign looming over the planet—a campaign that seems unstoppable. For, as my good friend José Fernández reminds us: “Never lose heart because evil seeks to wound you or betrayal hounds you, or because cowardice tries to block your path and make you falter—to make you abandon your duty. For evil is not eternal, nor can adversity defeat you, if you carry Divine Light in your mind and faith in your heart.” Let us attune ourselves to a different frequency; let us remain faithful to the doctrine of love and gentleness… that source of strength which must remain pure … (Excerpts from article date 02/7/2013 from the Villena Group Spiritual Studies Association, Alicante, Spain. www.amorpazycaridad.es Translated by Y. Limoges) 4 Spiritist Society of Florida, June Newsletter 2026 SPIRITUAL SCIENCE OF PRAYER What we call prayer is a call via our thoughts to the Supreme Intelligence and/or to others (whether in the material or spirit worlds). This invocation is transmitted by the force of our will and it is an action that has an actual and determined effect. This act can be to ask for forgiveness, to ask for blessings, to give thanks, to ask for healing, to plead for help, for mercy, for indulgence, or for assistance to correct a fault. The more pure and sincere the sentiments, the stronger its potency. Good spirits can second our efforts by a force of their own will. We receive assistance from the good spirits if it is in accordance with the Supreme Will and Divine Laws. This evocation can cause change and can work in unison with universal laws, such as those of cause and effect. Many times, prayers are answered in such a manner that they may seem to us an effect of chance, or received out of the ordinary course of things. Some of our prayers may be answered, and some are not, if it is not in our own best interests for the progression of our spirits, or would cause a bad outcome in the future unknown to us. Sincere and heartfelt prayer can provide us with patience, inspiration, courage, resignation and the hope to support Life’s trials and tribulations. Prayer is nourishment for the soul. Prayer can also inspire (from our spirit guides) good ideas we may need to resolve our problems. Prayer can be done at anytime and anywhere; it can be short or long; done verbally or mentally; and is more effective if sincere and heartfelt. (Gospel According to Spiritism, Ch.27; a summary) PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS May the superior spirits that guide all nations send their beneficial, loving vibrations of peace and charity to help guide and protect all the people. We pray that peace finds its way into our hearts, homes and into our streets. Please soften all hearts to help heal the divisions that separate us, so everyone can see every person solely as a fellow human being, deserving of compassion, justice, dignity and respect. May our leaders that govern look to their conscience so as to act with integrity, honesty, justice, charity and humility. May they listen to their spirit guides making decisions based on morality and goodness for all peoples. May the inhabitants and families of communities, strive to promote respect, understanding and unity. May they be inspired to protect the vulnerable, the ostracized and the persecuted, and, to act with compassion and kindness. We understand mankind has freewill, but, the power of sincere prayer, especially by many in unity, can have a true and sure influence towards goodness where directed. May our strong faith in the perfect pureness of the Divine Love of the Creator, elevate our thoughts making our prayers stronger. ********************************** Edited by Yvonne Crespo Limoges, Director Email: ylimoges@aol.com Society of Florida (est. 1982) 5042 22 Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 Website: www.spiritistsocietyfl.com

SPIRITISM – (spreads from France to Spain to Puerto Rico and the US) By Yvonne Crespo Limoges In our last issue, our friend from Spain wrote how Kardec’s books on Spiritism (a spiritual science and moral philosophy) in French were translated into Spanish by Colavida (the “Spanish Kardec”) and then (with other Spiritist works) spread to Spanish colonies like Puerto Rico. When PR became part of the US (citizens since 1917) many traveled to the mainland. Below, an article by my father of a couple from PR who moved to New York City, started a Spiritist group which became a very active Spiritist Center. My grandparents attended (were actively involved) and their children - my father/founder Edgar (1929- 2008) of our Society and his sister Angelica Crespo Masiar. SPIRITIST CENTER IN NEW YORK CITY – Center for the Freedom of Spiritism (est. 1933) Written by Edgar Crespo (in 2002) El Centro Libertad del Espiritismo was established in December 11, 1933 by Mr. Luis and Mrs. Pilar Perez, practicing Spiritists from Puerto Rico, who migrated to NYC in the early 1930s. I attended the Center when I was a very young child, and later, as an adult, working as one of the mediums. Around 1933, Mrs. Perez started conducting Spiritist educational classes for mediums in her home. The Group organized and decided to establish their own official Spiritist Center. Mrs. Perez assumed the Directorship of the Center and held it until her demise around 1980. She was the most qualified to hold that position due to her educational background, her knowledge of the Doctrine, was a full working medium of the first caliber and well respected. They eventually bought their own building through membership contributions and was three stories high. 2 Spiritist Society of Florida, May Newsletter 2026 The top floor was where the Spiritist services and classes were held. The second floor was used for Spiritist festivities or rented out for private affairs. The ground floor level had: a candy store, a stationary store, a dry cleaner service which all paid rent to the Center. Upkeep of the building was paid through membership dues and rental income. CHILDREN: (difficult to see, but my father is in the picture above) The Spiritist Center conducted children’s classes on Sunday morning of which approximately thirty children attended. Sunday afternoon at 2PM classes were held for the general public regarding Spiritism. THE MEDIUMS: On Monday, classes were given for beginning mediums. A special meeting only for mediums was held on Wednesdays. On Fridays, the meetings were open to the public, with an attendance of from forty-five to sixty-five people. Attendees were interested in Spiritism, and there were those who came because they felt they were possibly experiencing problems of a spiritual nature. Only fully developed mediums were used at the table at the session. Some of the mediums had a specialty. My mother [an unconscious medium] was a medium for problems of sight, and there was another one used mostly for children. The other mediums gave spirit communications to people in the audience. Most of the time there were at least six mediums at the table working. The mediums provided spirit communications, magnetized water for personal use and for the home, and magnetic passes. 3 Spiritist Society of Florida, May Newsletter 2026 MEMBERS & SERVICES: All classes and services were always free of charge. The Spiritist Center had between fifty-five to sixty- five dues paying members. The majority were of Hispanic descent, as well as the general public that attended. All services and class instructions adhered to Professor Kardec’s works and his books were the ones used. (Upfront & bottom right sit my grandparents and their daughter sitting with a little girl) (parade down Madison Avenue) SOCIAL FUNCTIONS: Every year, during the summer months, the Center held a parade down Madison Avenue. They also rented tour boats for travel down the Hudson River, and buses were chartered so we could attend state park picnics. Holidays were always celebrated with food and festivities. For many families, the Center provided a wonderful social, as well as rich, spiritual environment. 4 Spiritist Society of Florida, May Newsletter 2026 FAMILY PARTICIPATION: I attended the Center when I was about five years old with my mother. Besides attending regular services, my mother and I went weekly on Wednesdays so she could fulfill her mediumship duties while I slept on a bench in the back of the room. Later on, my younger sister attended. At one time my father served as the Center’s Treasurer. I have very fond memories of attending the Center’s classes and activities, which I will always cherish. At age seventeen, I joined the Army for a period of three years and could not attend. After leaving the service and getting married, I started attending the Center around 1954 on holidays and special occasions. Eventually I started my mediumship, attended classes and became a working medium at the Center. In 1961, due to a change in careers, I had to move and take my family to Florida. Many years later, a group of members of the Center moved back to Puerto Rico as a satellite group. In New York City, many families moved and the older members passed away. Although the Center does not have as many members as in the past, it still exists to the present day and I continue to correspond with them [as of year 2002]. - Edgar Crespo SPIRITIST SOCIETY OF FLORIDA (est. 1982) Written by Yvonne Crespo Limoges I feel fortunate that I remember attending the Spiritist Center in NYC once, and going up to the mediums’ table with the other children, lined up to receive passes. Later, when my parents moved to Florida, they kept studying and practicing Spiritism in their home, and us children were taught age-appropriate Spiritist principles. About 1978, friends and relatives became interested in attending meetings in our home. By 1982, we became the Spiritist Society of Florida. Several years afterwards, with more people attending, we had to rent space at a facility to hold our meetings. We feel blessed that next year will be our 45th year. PEACE AND LIBERTY Written by María Luisa Escrich God gave man this beautiful and fertile planet, and said to him: “Go, be fruitful, and multiply!” And man grew in number, and the small settlement transformed into a village, the village into a town, the town into a city, and the city into a nation… But nations grew while territories became ever scarcer; expansion is difficult, the struggle for space became fierce, and territorial ambition seized the people. Ground must be gained, yet it is already occupied, and there remains but one solution: Invasion! The struggle begins—and war ensues! Desolation, destruction, death… The strong subjugate the weak, and the weak perish; never again shall there be true Peace, for all have become enemies to one another. But can there be justice for the weak? Can the weak triumph over the strong? We would surely answer: morally, yes—but not in practice... Yet we are speaking here of human justice; let us not forget that there exists a justice that transcends peoples and nations—the Justice of God! 5 Spiritist Society of Florida, May Newsletter 2026 (Excerpt from article dated 11/25/25, Association for Spiritual Studies-Villena Group in Alicante, Spain. Translated by Y. Limoges. www.amorpazycaridad.org.es ) ********************************************** Edited by Yvonne Crespo Limoges, Director Email: ylimoges@aol.com Society of Florida (est. 1982) 5042 22 Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 Website: www.spiritistsocietyfl.com