🇪🇸 Sólo es inquebrantable la fe que puede mirar a la razón cara a cara, en todas las épocas de la humanidad. (Allan Kardec).🇺🇸Unshakable faith is only the kind that can stand face to face with reason in all human epochs. (Allan Kardec)
A visit to the Bezerra de Menezes Spiritist Association
A visit to the Bezerra de Menezes Spiritist Center offers an immersive experience in the practice of Spiritist Doctrine and in its mission of spiritual and social support. Inspired by the life and work of Adolfo Bezerra de Menezes, the "Doctor of the Poor," Bezerra de Menezes is a space of fraternal welcome, study, assistance, and the practice of charity.
The combination of faith, study and service to others makes the Bezerra de Menezes Association a place of light, learning and renewal.
🌟 Come and share with us in this work of love and fraternity! 🌟
🇪🇸 La Asociación EspÃrita Kardeciana Bezerra de Menezes es una organización educativa sin fines de lucro 501(c)(3) en los Estados Unidos, dedicada al estudio y la práctica del Espiritismo — que abarca los aspectos CientÃfico, Filosófico y Moral. Nuestro Centro EspÃrita ofrece actividades públicas, incluyendo clases, conferencias y asistencia social, donde los participantes pueden profundizar su comprensión de las enseñanzas espÃritas y recibir apoyo espiritual.
Una visita al Centro EspÃrita Bezerra de Menezes ofrece una experiencia inmersiva en la práctica de la Doctrina EspÃrita y en su misión de apoyo espiritual y social. Inspirado en la vida y obra de Adolfo Bezerra de Menezes, el "Médico de los Pobres", el Bezerra de Menezes es un espacio de acogida fraterna, estudio, asistencia y práctica de la caridad.
La combinación de fe, estudio y servicio al prójimo convierte al Centro EspÃrita Bezerra de Menezes en un lugar de luz, aprendizaje y renovación.
Founders
Benjamin Rodriguez Barrera and Haydee Rodriguez – A Story of Love and Dedication to the Spiritist Doctrine
Benjamin Rodriguez Barrera was born on December 15, 1923, in Bogotá, Colombia, where he enjoyed his childhood and early youth, being the son of Roberto Rodriguez and Carmen Barrera. He married Haydee Rodriguez, a wonderful companion who helped and supported him at all times, both at home and in spiritist work.
Benjamin Rodriguez Barrera and Haydee Castro met through Benjamin's older brother. The brother met Haydee when she worked at the Social Security office. He was so impressed by Haydee's sweetness that Benjamin went to the office to meet her. They married on October 18, 1951, Benjamin at 28 and Haydee at 24. They lived a life full of love and had four sons and one daughter: Leonardo, Margarita, Carlos, Benjamin Jr., and Ivan, along with 16 grandchildren to date. On April 24, 2025, at 97 years of age, Haydee returned to the spiritual realm, leaving behind memories of light and love.
In January 1958, at the age of 35, Benjamin moved with his family to Miami, beginning a new chapter in his earthly journey. It was in this city that, according to his own words in an interview, "he had the good fortune to come into contact with Spiritism" because his brother sent him a copy of "The Spirits' Book" from Colombia. The logical questions and answers clarified his doubts. Also from Colombia, they sent him the address of Lic. Luis Guerrero Ovalle, who had been giving spiritist lectures in Miami for some time.
He contacted Lic. Ovalle and joined the group, becoming involved in the work of spreading the spiritist book, collaborating intensely in this task. This happened in the 1960s when, at the age of 37, he was already working in the spiritist movement. Having met Divaldo Pereira Franco in Colombia, he suggested to Lic. Ovalle to invite him to this city. Some time later, Divaldo came to Miami for the first time, thus beginning his instructive lectures and seminars, not only in the city but in various places in this country.
Benjamin Rodriguez Barrera was a tireless worker of the Spiritist Doctrine and was active in its ranks for more than 35 years. He was co-founder of the first spiritist center in Miami, today known as Ciencia Espiritista Kardeciana. He collaborated in the foundation of Allan Kardec Educational Society in Philadelphia, founded the Asociación EspÃrita Kardeciana Bezerra de Menezes in Miami, co-founded the Federación Espiritista Kardeciana de la Florida, serving as its president for several terms, co-founded the International Spiritist Council (CEI) and served as its treasurer for many years, and was vice president of the United States Spiritist Council, which began on November 15, 1997.
Benjamin visited countless countries, being a great promoter of the Spiritist Doctrine in the United States and around the world, a tireless worker for the Spiritist Movement. Benjamin Rodriguez Barrera passed away in Miami, United States, on August 1, 2001.
Divaldo Franco influence
Divaldo Franco (1927–2025), renowned Spiritist medium and speaker, dedicated his life to spreading Spiritist Doctrine and practicing charity. Founder of Mansão do Caminho in Salvador, Bahia/Brasil. He published over 250 works, delivered more than 20,000 lectures in 71 countries, and inspired thousands with his teachings of peace, love, and self-knowledge.
Adolfo Bezerra de Menezes, patron of our Spiritist center
Adolfo Bezerra de Menezes (1831–1900) was a Brazilian physician, military officer, writer, politician, and a bountiful person, best known as the "doctor of the poor" for providing free medical care to those in need. He was one of the greatest exponents and promoters of Spiritist Doctrine in Brazil, having served as president of the Brazilian Spiritist Federation (FEB) and authoring several works.
40th BM Anniversary Celebration
Important Dates for the 40th Anniversary
Founders of BM
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12/15/1923 – Birth of Benjamin Rodriguez
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6/9/1927 – Birth of Haydee Rodriguez in Bogotá, Colombia
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10/18/1951 – Marriage of Benjamin & Haydee Rodriguez
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4/18/1985 – Founded the Bezerra de Menezes Kardecist Spiritist Association.
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8/1/2001 – Passing of Benjamin Rodriguez in Miami, FL
4/24/2025 – Passing of Haydée Rodriguez, in Miami, FL with the age of 97.
Bezerra de Menezes
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8/29/1831 – Birth of Bezerra de Menezes
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4/11/1900 – Passing of Bezerra de Menezes