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The question of whether Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero, truly retracted his beliefs remains a topic of enduring debate and intrigue. This controversy has cast a long shadow over Rizal's legacy, primarily known for his courageous literary works during the Spanish colonial period. His writings, which openly challenged the colonizers, earned him the status of a national hero. However, the discovery of a letter in 1935, in which Rizal reportedly retracted his anti-Catholic sentiments, has ignited a contentious discussion.
Before delving into the retraction controversy, it is essential to appreciate the significance of Jose Rizal in Philippine history.
He is celebrated for his literary masterpieces, such as "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," which exposed the injustices and abuses committed by the Spanish authorities and clergy. Rizal's writings ignited the flames of nationalism and inspired countless Filipinos to strive for independence from Spanish rule.
However, the prospect of Rizal retracting his beliefs and statements in the twilight of his life raises profound questions about his commitment to the cause of independence and the nature of his relationship with the Catholic Church.
The focal point of the retraction debate revolves around a letter discovered in 1935 by Father Manuel Garcia.
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In this letter, Jose Rizal purportedly declared himself a Catholic and retracted all his previous writings, statements, publications, and actions against the Catholic Church. This revelation has triggered a vigorous and ongoing dispute among historians, scholars, and the general public.
One account of the retraction comes from Father Vicente Balaguer.
According to his version of events, on December 29, 1896, a day before Rizal's execution, Rizal composed and signed the retraction papers in the presence of Father Balaguer and other Jesuit priests. Rizal, in this account, asked for confession twice and requested a rosary from the priest between the confessions.
Furthermore, Balaguer's memorandum-record states that Rizal requested a mass and Holy Communion, both of which were readily approved by the Jesuits. He also asked for the image of the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, which he had carved when he was just 14 years old. In a heartwarming scene, Rizal kissed the image, signifying his reconciliation with the Catholic faith.
On the morning of December 30, 1896, just before his execution and in the presence of the Archbishop and Jesuit superior Reverend Fr. Pio Pi, Rizal kissed a cross and held a rosary in his hand.
One of the central mysteries of the retraction controversy is how Father Balaguer managed to convince Rizal to retract his beliefs and embrace Catholicism before his execution. This question remains unanswered to this day, and historians continue to speculate about the methods or arguments that might have swayed Rizal's convictions.
Another compelling piece of evidence is a poem Rizal wrote on the eve of his execution, entitled "My Last Farewell." In this poem, he penned the line, "I'll go where there are no slaves, tyrants, or hangmen, where faith does not kill and where God alone does reign (Rizal, 1896)." This reference to God in his final composition raises intriguing questions about the depth of his retraction.
Additionally, in an undated letter to his family from Fort Santiago, Rizal made a poignant request for his burial. He asked to be buried in the ground with a stone and a cross as his marker, with only his name and the dates of his birth and death. If circumstances allowed, he suggested that a fence could later surround his grave. Notably, he expressed his wish for a cross over his final resting place.
On the surface, this request might suggest a connection to his retraction. He died as a Catholic and was interred in the sacred grounds of Paco Cemetery, though his specific instructions for a simple grave were not granted.
Proponents of the idea that Rizal retracted his beliefs point to several pieces of evidence to support their claims. One argument is that Rizal might have retracted to protect his family from further persecution by the Spanish authorities.
It is also suggested that Rizal's retraction could have been motivated by a desire to legitimize his relationship with Josephine Bracken as his wife. Notably, one incident stands out: in March 1896, Rizal played a practical joke on Josephine, causing her to give birth prematurely to an eight-month-old baby boy. Despite Rizal's efforts to save the child, it tragically passed away three hours after birth. Rizal baptized the baby as Francisco, honoring his father. This event could be interpreted as an early indication of Rizal's Catholic faith.
Furthermore, some argue that Rizal's retraction was a strategic move to secure reforms from the Spanish government. By publicly aligning himself with the Catholic Church, Rizal might have hoped to gain concessions and improvements for the Philippines.
However, the case against Rizal's retraction is far from settled. Critics and skeptics raise compelling counterarguments that challenge the validity of the retraction story.
One crucial piece of evidence is the authenticity of the retraction paper itself. The copy of the retraction document that came to light was kept secret and only published in newspapers. When Rizal's family requested the original copy, it was allegedly lost. This raises questions about the responsibility of the Jesuits and the document's significance.
However, nearly four decades later, the original copy of the retraction document resurfaced in the archdiocesan archives. Dr. Ricardo Pascual, who received permission from Archbishop Nozaleda to examine the document, concluded in his book "Rizal beyond the Grave" that the papers shown in newspapers were falsified.
The common contradiction in this argument is whether Father Balaguer or Father Pi made errors in reproducing another copy of the original document. Additionally, there were allegations of the manuscript being misplaced between 1922 and 1935, further clouding the authenticity of the retraction.
Furthermore, there is no concrete evidence, such as a marriage certificate or public record, to support Father Balaguer's account of Rizal's marriage to Josephine Bracken. Despite claims that a wedding ceremony took place, no definitive proof has emerged.
Additionally, the timeline of events surrounding Rizal's execution raises doubts. Father Balaguer asserted that he conducted the marriage ceremony between 6:00 and 6:15 AM on December 30, 1896. However, Rizal's family denied any presence at the ceremony, and Rizal was executed at 7:03 AM. There are no reports confirming Josephine Bracken's presence at Fort Santiago that morning.
Furthermore, why did only Father Balaguer claim that a wedding occurred, while the other two priests, Father Villaclara and Father March, remained silent on the matter?
With these conflicting accounts and unanswered questions, the debate over whether Rizal retracted his beliefs continues to divide historians and scholars. Each side presents compelling arguments, leaving room for interpretation and conjecture.
Regardless of one's stance on the retraction issue, it is crucial to recognize that Jose Rizal's contributions to the Philippines extend beyond this controversy. His writings ignited the flames of nationalism and patriotism, motivating Filipinos to resist Spanish colonial rule. Rizal's commitment to his country's cause is undeniable, and his legacy endures through his enduring influence on Filipino identity and the ongoing quest for freedom.
In conclusion, the debate over whether Jose Rizal retracted his beliefs and embraced Catholicism remains a contentious and unresolved issue. While evidence and arguments exist on both sides, the truth may never be definitively established.
However, this debate should not overshadow Rizal's profound impact on Philippine history. His writings and actions continue to inspire generations of Filipinos to stand up for their rights and work toward a better future. Whether or not Rizal retracted, his contributions to the nation's quest for independence remain unquestionable.
Ultimately, the legacy of Jose Rizal as a national hero transcends the retraction controversy, reminding us of the enduring importance of his ideals and principles in shaping the Philippines.
The Rizal Retraction Controversy: Examining the Debate. (2016, Apr 09). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/jose-rizals-retraction-controversy-essay
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