From the Seringal to the Supreme Court: 20 years since a major victory for the União do Vegetal

| November 1st, 2025

Juliane Oliveira*

“For the Light, borders don’t exist”

Mestre Clovis Cavalieri

Today, on November 1st, 2025, we caianinhos have many reasons to celebrate our walk in the Beneficent Spiritist Center União do Vegetal. This date reminds us of the wonderful and sublime moments experienced by our Spiritual Guide, Mestre José Gabriel da Costa, while he was still in the Amazon Rainforest, such as when he confirmed for us and for all of humanity his love and care for the sacred use of this mysterious Hoasca Tea. Proof of this is that many years later, in 2005, his words were once again confirmed for good men and women before the highest federal court in the United States: the Supreme Court, which holds the ultimate authority in the interpretation of the American Constitution.

That November morning, UDV members in the United States, accompanied by then General Representative Mestre, Mestre José Luiz de Oliveira – one of the pioneers of the UDV and a Mestre trained by Mestre Gabriel himself – arrived early and stood on the steps of the Supreme Court of the United States of America. They made a historical record – as we can see in the image highlighted above. There, on that day, November 1st, our brothers and sisters were able to witness once again the confirmation of Mestre Gabriel’s word that the União do Vegetal is here to circulate the world. As said by Mestre Clovis Cavalieri, Assistant General Mestre, “for the Light, borders don’t exist.”

And to register the 20 years of the União do Vegetal’s victory in the United States Supreme Court, we have assembled some testimonials from some of the brothers, sisters and authorities of the Center who continue working for our sacred right to communion with the Hoasca Tea in our religious sessions in Brazil, the United States and other places where the UDV has arrived in an orderly and peaceful way – respecting the laws of the country and showing reality, which it has been following since its origin.

According to Conselheira Satara Bixby, when the time came to face the authorities of the United States government, “we were a small group, still learning what it meant to be disciples of Mestre Gabriel. However, the Symbol of the União do Vegetal was planted in our hearts, and being accompanied by the Force of the Mestre, we were prepared for what was to come.”

[…] “only” a glass of water

When the União do Vegetal suspended the Vegetal in the United States because of the seizure of the Hoasca Tea in May of 1999, some people left the União. However, a group of resilient brothers and sisters continued drinking just water in Sessions during a period from June of 1999 to December of 2004 – in a clear demonstration of hope and faith. This good example of determination by our brothers and sisters is always emotionally remembered with admiration for the perseverance demonstrated over more than five years drinking just water. While judicial proceedings were taking place in several instances throughout those years to guarantee the religious freedom of Hoasca as a sacrament on American soil, our brothers and sisters followed obeying the determination of the General Representation, as told by Christine Passen (Núcleo Grande Esperança – Griswold, Connecticut – EUA):

“[In California] we continued with our routine of monthly Sessions [with water], usually directed by us, and on occasion by visitors. We valued these visits greatly — they brought us a greater sense of connection with Mestre Gabriel and his teachings, bringing us more hope and renewing our energy with his love and joy! Even so, many members removed themselves, finding it boring to sit in a chair for four hours or difficult to feel the same Divine connection after drinking “only” a glass of water — perhaps out of fear of persecution, or having lost hope of ever being able to practice their religion again in this country. But life went on — people got married, had kids, began their careers, faced health or personal problems; some went to Brazil to drink Vegetal; others didn’t have the financial conditions.”

Testament to faith, perseverance, and teamwork

From a glass of water to the guarantee of our right to commune with Hoasca Tea in Sessions of the União do Vegetal after the Supreme Court decision, the work was arduous. Brothers and sisters committed to the Work of Mestre Gabriel faced difficulties but never lost faith. Mestre Tadeo Feijão, current Central Mestre of the 18th Region, emphasizes that the UDV’s victory is a testament to the dedication of many, but at the heart of this success is the leadership of Jeffrey Bronfman, who at that time was responsible for the UDV in the United States:

“In confronting the power of the American government in a struggle that resembled David vs. Goliath, Jeffrey was inspired to use his intelligence, commitment, and understanding of spiritual principles to gather the best human, technical, and financial resources available at that time. His ability to articulate the sincere purpose of the UDV and the righteousness of Mestre Gabriel’s teachings and doctrine was crucial, inspiring not only the newly formed irmandade in the USA, but also winning the vital support and understanding of the UDV authorities in Brazil.

As we celebrate this 20th anniversary, we celebrate not only a legal triumph, but also a testament to faith, perseverance, and teamwork. The legacy of Gonzales v. UDV continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of defending our religious freedom and of honoring the bravery of those that fought to guarantee it.”

For Mestre Tadeo Feijão, “the UDV’s trajectory in North America, deeply shaped by this victory, remains a vibrant example of Mestre Gabriel’s power to inspire people through his words and teachings, to transform reality by his example, contributing positively to the foundation of a more just and fraternal society.”

Message of peace and human fraternity

Currently, Mestre Clovis Cavalieri is the General Assistant Mestre responsible for the União do Vegetal internationally. He also acknowledges the value of the dedication by our brothers and sisters to this victory: “We recognize the value of the meticulous work carried out by all those dedicated to this Sacred Work, always respecting the laws of each country and with the necessary patience for the UDV to establish itself as a legitimate and long-lasting religion. This collective effort demonstrates maturity and responsibility, revealing the care of those who enter through the front door with humility, seriousness, and love.”

Mestre Clovis highlights that “The Light of the Great Mestre knows no limits, and its brilliance expands towards everyone, reaching every heart willing to receive it. In this way, the 18th Region became a living example of the international expansion of the União do Vegetal, radiating a message of peace and human fraternity.”

On this day when we celebrate yet another victory for the União do Vegetal, we acknowledge the greatness of our Mestre’s love for us. Thus, twenty years after the victory in the Supreme Court, the União do Vegetal continues to work diligently and sincerely to fulfill Mestre Gabriel’s promise to bring peace to the world. Victory after victory, we confirm what Mestre Clovis reminds us of: “For the Light, borders don’t exist.”

Also read: UDV’s U.S. Supreme Court Victory

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*Juliane Oliveira is a member of the Instructive Body of Nucleo Rei Hoasqueiro (Brasília-DF, BR).

>> Texto construído a partir da publicação “Do Seringal à Suprema Corte: Celebrando 20 anos da nossa Liberdade Religiosa” produzido pelo Departamento de Memória e Comunicação da 18ª Região.