READING 5

THE GREAT DEBATE: THE RIZAL RETRACTION

1. Summary of the reading.

Father Manuel Garcia, C.M. discovered Rizal's retraction letter. Its
substance has remained a hot topic of debate among academics and
Catholics since its publication in 1953. The National Hero himself was
reported to have signed the letter, which was dated December 29, 1896.
it stated: I declare myself a Catholic and in this religion in which I was
born and educated I wish to live and die. I retract with all my heart
whatever in my words, writings, publications, and conduct has been
contrary to my character as the son of the Catholic Church. Padre Garcia
was born on April 5, 1817, in the town of Maugat, which was then part
of Rosario but is now a barangay of Padre Garcia, to parents Don Jose
Garcia and Dona Andrea Teodoro. His ancestors were from the higher
classes, and he was of Castilian descent. A dim photograph of the man
among the town hall exhibitions depicts a gorgeous mestizo. Another
example was Vicente's decision to study for the priesthood at a period
when pure-blooded Filipinos were unable to do so due to poverty and
discrimination. Garcia was treated unfairly by his Spanish superiors
since, despite being nominated for the position of Canonigo Magistral,
he did not hold it. The colonizers didn't think it was appropriate to have
an indio in any position of power, even if he was a mestizo. There are
stories of his wonderful attributes, such as his kindness and generosity,
as well as his Spanish and Latin fluency. He was a writer who translated
literary works from Spanish and Latin into English. His translation of the
Imitacion de Cristo from Latin to Tagalog was one of his most significant
works. Padre Garcia's historical significance stems from more than just
his excellent human attributes. Despite being a member of the church,
he had the bravery to support Rizal against the Catholic church's tirades
and censure. His defense letter was written with the intention of being
delivered to Fr. Jose Rodriguez, an Augustinian friar who published
"CAINGAT CAYO! Sa Manga Masasamang Libro,t, Casulatan (Beware of
Malevolent Books and Writings)" in 1888. Jose Rizal's writings are
savagely criticized throughout the publication. His buddies, on the other
hand, discouraged him from doing so. On March 15, 1895, the letter was
published in La Solidaridad. The priest, in his defense letter, contradicted
Fr. According to Padre Garcia, while Fr. Rodriguez was quick to make
such accusations, he failed to cite any proposition made by Rizal that
showed his impiety, heresy, or blasphemy. Padre Garcia then went on to
cite various phrases in the Noli that showed the hero to be the exact
opposite of the heretic and blasphemer that Fr. Rodriguez had accused
him of being. The historical committee enlisted the expertise of
University of the Philippines professor and anthropologist Jerome Bailen
and his team of experts in evaluating whether the bones interred in the
old cemetery were those of the priest. His bones were reinterred in the
Most Holy Rosary Parish Church in Padre Garcia's town proper on July
12, 1999.

2. Why did Garcia believe that Rizal retracted his masonic

affiliation?
Father Manuel Garcia, C.M. discovered Rizal's retraction
letter. Its substance has remained a favorite topic of debate
among academics and Catholics since its publication in 1935. The
National Hero himself was reported to have signed the letter,
which was dated December 29, 1896. "I declare myself a Catholic,
and I wish to live and die in this religion in which I was born and
schooled," it said. Whatever in my words, thoughts, publications,
and behavior has been antithetical to my character as a son of the
Catholic Church, I apologize wholeheartedly.

3. Why did Garcia believe that Rizal retracted his masonic

affiliation?
First is he compares the handwriting of the document to
some of the works of Rizal. He uses a 150 letters and documents
of Rizal just to ensure that the handwriting is similar. Moreover,
Rizal wrote the letter the night before his execution.
4. Did you find any consistency in Garcia's argument? Explain
Yes, throughout his argument he present proofs to
validate his point. He emphasizes how Rizal’s work cannot
be easily forged because of the unique way of handwriting
of Rizal. He uses document sand letters as proofs to
highlight his argument.