Divaldo Pereira Franco was one of the most extraordinary figures of the 20th century and the early 21st century in the fields of charity, education and human comfort. Affectionately known as the Sower of Stars, he devoted 78 uninterrupted years to spreading the Gospel and to giving material and moral relief to those who needed it most.
His life story is a living testimony that true faith is expressed in concrete works of social transformation, with the Mansão do Caminho, in Salvador, as its most beautiful material expression.
From a simple childhood to the call of fellowship
Born on 5 May 1927 in Feira de Santana (BA), Divaldo showed remarkable mediumistic abilities from an early age. In 1945, he moved to Salvador, where he found in the doctrine codified by Allan Kardec a sound understanding of his mediumistic gifts and of how to practise charity.
On 7 September 1947, together with the young Nilson de Souza Pereira and a small group of idealists, he founded the Centro Espírita Caminho da Redenção, dedicating himself to evangelisation and to assisting the destitute.
The birth of the Mansão do Caminho in 1952
Moved by the plight of abandoned children wandering the streets of the Bahian capital, Divaldo and Nilson founded the Mansão do Caminho on 15 August 1952. Instead of a traditional orphanage with impersonal pavilions, they created family homes where Nilson acted as a welcoming father alongside collaborating mothers.
Over the decades, the work grew into an admirable city of fellowship in the Pau da Lima neighbourhood, occupying a vast, tree-filled area with:
- Modern schools from early childhood education to secondary school, offering full-time schooling and ethical formation.
- A medical centre providing free outpatient care in dozens of specialities.
- Support programmes for expectant mothers, distribution of basic food baskets and vocational workshops.
A life sown across the world
The scope of Divaldo's missionary work became worldwide. He travelled to more than 70 countries, giving memorable talks in theatres, parliaments and universities. Through psychography, he wrote hundreds of books dictated by noble spirits, notably his revered mentor Joanna de Angelis and the spiritual author Manoel Philomeno de Miranda, donating all the copyright income to sustain the Mansão do Caminho.
After his return to the spiritual world on 13 May 2025, at the age of 98, his legacy remains an unfailing beacon of kindness and hope.
Discover Salvador and the Mansão do Caminho with our group
Visiting the Mansão do Caminho and walking through its serene gardens is one of the most moving experiences a traveller can have. On Mundo a Passeio caravans, you enjoy welcoming itineraries that combine this spiritual experience with the cultural and historical charm of Bahia.
See our departures for Salvador on the expeditions page or send us a message on WhatsApp.
Sources and references
- Mansão do Caminho / Centro Espírita Caminho da Redenção: official biographical data and institutional records.
- Editora LEAL: catalogue of the psychographed works and historical archive of talks.
- Federação Espírita Brasileira (FEB): tributes and biographical records of Divaldo Franco.
