The Ilocos region has a very strong Spiritist religious presence with roots in the Kardecist Spiritist movemement, founded by Alan Kardec in 19th century France.

Spiritism arrived in the Philippines during the American colonial period (early 1900s), introduced by intellectuals who encountered it abroad and through Spanish and Latin American influences.

Kardec’s ideas about communicating with spirits, reincarnation, and moral progress appealed to Ilocanos, especially when mixed with indigenous folk spirituality.

The Ilocano version of Spiritism blended French and Spanish Spiritism, Catholic influences, and indigenous folk beliefs and superstitions.

Through mediums or espiritistas, they contact the dead, guardian spirits, or enlightened beings.

Many groups focus on espiritista healing sessions, where spirits are believed to guide the medium in curing illnesses, either physical or spiritual.

Meetings often resemble Catholic prayer gatherings, with hymns, candles, and invocations, but include trance sessions and spirit communication.

Syncretism is a major feature in Ilocano Spiritist worship. Catholic saints and prayers are often used alongside Spiritist practices. Indigenous elements like anito veneration, ancestor respect are folded in. Some groups borrow Protestant-style worship formats—like focusing on preaching the Word before moving onto speaking with the dead or healing.

Unión Espiritista Cristiana de Filipinas is the largest and most organized of the Spiritist movement in the Philippines. It was founded in 1905 with the adoption of doctrines and by-laws.

Note: Gerry’s grandfather and both grandmothers were members and adherents of this denomination of the Spiritist movement.