Profeta Gentileza nascia há 100 anos

The Life and Legacy of Profeta Gentileza

Early Life and Transformation

• Profeta Gentileza, born José Datrino in 1917, was an artist known for his murals across Rio de Janeiro. He abandoned material possessions to spread a message of kindness after a tragic circus fire in the 1960s.

• Known for his long hair and white beard, he traveled through various Brazilian states preaching simple wisdom. His journey began after witnessing the devastation caused by the Gran Circus American fire that claimed over 500 lives.

• After this tragedy, he renounced all worldly goods in 1961 to pursue a spiritual life, marking a significant shift from his previous existence as a family man with five children.

The Emergence of Gentileza's Message

• Following the loss of his daughter Maria Alice at age 16 when he left home, Gentileza felt compelled to share messages that were social, ecological, and anti-capitalist. He believed he was guided by a voice urging him towards this new path.

• His teachings are inscribed on 56 pillars along Avenida Brasil in Rio de Janeiro. These writings serve as urban literature designed to be accessible to passersby on buses.

The Philosophy of Kindness

• Despite being labeled as eccentric or mad by some, Gentileza possessed profound insight into societal issues. His famous phrases include "Don't use problems; use love and kindness," emphasizing the need for compassion in everyday life.