Assignment 5 : Remembering Rizal

Group Name: PATRIOTS

Group Members:
1. AMER, Sittie Aminah S.
2. ALI, Sittie Asiya R.
3. BINATARA, Norhidaya T.
4. CALIB, Hannah B.

What are the different views of the Rizalistas on Jose Rizal? Cite and explain what these
views are.
A number of Rizalista groups emerged in some parts of the Philippines after Dr. Jose Rizal’s
execution on December 30, 1896. These religious groups commonly believe that Jose Rizal has a
Latin name of Jove Rex Al which literally translates to “God, King of All.” However, each group
differ in teachings, practices, celebrations, and views on Rizal.
Some Rizalistas view Rizal as the 1) reincarnation of Jesus Christ. They saw the parallel
between Rizal’s and Christ’s lives. Both had a mission to fulfill, cured the sick, had brilliant minds
and extraordinary talents, and died young at the cost of their missions in the hands of their enemies.
They believe that Rizal, just like Jesus Christ, died to save mankind and will eventually resurrect.
These religious organizations honor Rizal as the “Filipino Jesus Christ.”
Moreover, the Philippine Independent Church (PIC), declared Rizal as 2) a saint. They
canonized Rizal along with the three martyrs Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora following the Roman
Catholic rites. Pictures or statues of Rizal were also put in the altars of the PIC.
Other Rizalista groups, however, venerate Rizal as 3) a god. They built chapels for Rizal and
pray on their knees before his picture or statue. A Rizalista group in Legaspi City also hold some
sort of a mass at Rizal’s monument during Rizal Day and Rizal’s birthday.
These Rizalista groups may vary in their views of Rizal— may he be their saint, their god, or
the reincarnation of Jesus Christ— they collectively hold high respect, honor and veneration for
Jose Rizal. This reveals that associating religious beliefs to the social movement is indeed part of
the Philippines’ history and allows us to understand these religious groups’ views and socio-
religious beliefs.