Mestre Irineu

Raimundo Irineu Serra, also known as Mestre (Master) Irineu, (December 15, 1892 São Vicente Ferrer, Maranhão, Brazil - July 6, 1971) was the founder of a syncretic religion known as Santo Daime. Irineu was raised Roman Catholic. He later moved to the state of Acre where he worked on rubber plantations. In the city of Brasiléia, which is close to the border of Bolivia, he was in contact with other people from his home state of Maranhão as well as Bolivians, from whom he learned the use of ayahuasca. In these early experiences he encountered the Virgin Mary (the Queen of the Forest) and began receiving the guidance which developed into a religious doctrine throughout the remainder of his long life.^[1] Santo Daime teachings emphasize hymns and calls that guide participants during the sacramental drink's communion, aiding in self-awareness and individual character refinement across social, emotional, and spiritual spheres. The practice is predominantly Christian and includes deities specific to the Queen of the Forest's battalion, with prominent figures like the Caboclos of Tucum, and revolves around central deities represented by Jesus Christ, Our Lady of Conception, Patriarch Saint Joseph, and Saint John the Baptist.^[2]