ANTONIO DO NASCIMENTO COTTAS
Consolidator Of Christian Rationalism
Antonio do Nascimento Cottas was born in Sirvuzelo, Monte Alegre, Portugal, in November 19, 1892 and died in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 12, 1983.
He immigrated to Brazil in April 18, 1905 at the age of 12 and from that early age was employed in the grocery business. He duly prospered to the point of becoming a well-respected business man. He became owner of various reputable grocery stores and in 1922 went into he wholesale grocery business as a large scale importer of outstanding brands of olive oil, wines and other such goods.
His accomplishments within the Christian Rationalist doctrine were remarkable. Before dying in 1926, Luiz de Mattos, the founder of Christian Rationalism, appointed Antonio Cottas his successor and following the disincarnation of Luiz de Mattos, he accordingly took over the direction of the doctrine. He consolidated the great foundations of Christian Rationalism and under his guidance many Christian Rationalist Centers flourished.
Antonio Cottas was the greatest disciple of Luiz de Mattos and wholeheartedly devoted himself to the doctrine entrusted to his care. He divulged the ideas of Christian Rationalism through letters and the teachings delivered at the public seances in the Redemptor Center. In addition, he ensured the doctrine’s financial independence. Besides being a good indoctrinator, he worked tirelessly for the enlightenment of mankind.
Antonio Cottas was endowed with extraordinary moral qualities and an incorruptible character. He was always overflowing with enthusiasm and was forever devoted to the Christian Rationalist cause without ever advertising his accomplishments.
In difficult times he was always confident and in time won all the battles the doctrine had to fight. Every one of his endeavors ended up in success.
He was highly respected and well-like by all as a result of his gentlemanlike manners and innate generosity.
Antonio Cottas, the head of Christian Rationalism, was an extremely simple man. Although he had been awarded the honorary title of “Comendador”, he did not care to be addressed as such.
He was especially proud of his Brazilian citizenship granted in 8/8/1939 by the Brazilian Government.
During his lifetime, Antonio Cottas was awarded approximately fifteen honorary titles at the local, state and national levels. In spite of all these honors, he remained a simple, unaffected individual throughout his life.