cuapter 21: The Trial and Martyrdom of Rizal The arrival of the steamer Colon in Manila on November 3, 1896 brought too much jubilation on the part of the friars and the Spaniards, as the leader of the revolution could now be made to answer for a crime he committed against the Spanish government. Under heavy guard, Rizal was brought to Fort Santiago pending the prosecution of his case. He was held incommunicado for almost four weeks in his detention cell. In the meantime, the Spanish authorities were very much preoccupied with the gathering and fabrication of evidences to be used against him. The Preliminary Investigation Colonel Francisco Olive, the Judge Advocate of the Spanish mili tribunal, summoned Rizal to appear before him on November 20, 1896. Desiring to clear his name from the accusations imputed on him, Rizal appeared before the Judge Advocate. There were two kinds of evidences Presented by the Olive to Rizal during the Preliminary investigation of Rizal (Palma, 1949): documentary; and testimonial. The documentary evidences were culled from the following: the letters of Antonio Luna, Marcelo del Pilar, Carlos Oliver, and Rizal himself, poems Kundiman and Hymn to Talisay; and transcript of speeches of Emilio Jacinto and Jose T, Santiago. On the other hand, the testimonial evidence against Rizal consisted of oral statements of people who had been associated with him, like Jose Dizon, Deodato Arellano, Pio Valenzuela, Timoteo Paez, and Pedro Laktaw. 313The five-day investigation Rizal went through was ve alingaat and ruthless. Nonetheless, Rizal responded systematically to all inquiries made by the Judge Advocate but was not given the opportunity ie examine witnesses against him, Nor was he allowed to offer any formal defense to counter all accusations against him. Six days after the preliminary investigation, Colonel Olive transmitted his report of the case to Governor Ramon ia or appropriate action on November 26, 1896. Blanco, then, appointed Captain Rafael Dominguez as a Special Judge Advocate to evaluate the case. After a careful scrutiny of Olive’s report, forwarded to him by the eo he. general, he concluded that a prima facie case exists against Ril J e, then, endorsed his summary of charges against Rizal to Nicolas dela Pefia, the Judge Advocate General, for legal opinion and adjudication. After reviewing the brief prepared by Olive, Pefia concurred with Olive on his assessment of the case. As a prima facie case against Rizal for the complex crime of rebellion and formation of illegal organization, Pefia made the following recommendations to Governor Blanco on December 8, 1896). (Zulucta, 2004); (1) that the accused be kept under the custody of law; (2) that accused be brought to trial; (3) that an order of attachment be issued against his Property; and (4) that the accused be defended in court by an army officer. The Arraignment of Rizal On December 8, 1896, Rizal was informed by the Judge Advocate General to choose his counsel as his arraignment was set on December 11. A roster of military officers was Presented to him, where he could select his defender. After going through the list, Rizal chose Luis Taviel de Andrade, the brother of Jose Taviel de Andrade wl ho was his bodyguard during his six-month stay in Calamba four years ago. The information of charges was read to Rizal on December 11, 1896, in the presence of his defense counsel. He ot was accused of the complex crime of rebellion as he was the Principal organizer and the living soul of 314Dominguez submitte, de a -afian Palace on De the transcript of the arraignment proceeding de Polavieja relieved Goya meet 13, 1896. By this time, General Camilo Nozaleda and the Dominion puan©®- With Blanco as governor, Archbishop accusation against him (Gav iit that Rizal would be absolved from the the fact that Blanco dig qrec7et°: 1998). Their gut feeling stemmed from into the gubernatorial om Heve that Rizal was a traitor. With Polavieja 1999). ice, Rizal’s fate had been sealed (Zaide & Zaide, The Trial of Rizal Rizal’s 19, 1896 fa pen was tured over to Dominguez and Alcocer on December Halle of Bammer ceution. The trial commenced on December 26 at the court martial ae Cuartel de Esparia. Two days prior to the trial, the and the followi constituted, with Colonel Jose Togores as president Santi wing as members: Ricardo Mufioz Arias; Manuel Reguera; jantiago Izquierdo; Manuel Escribano; and Fermin Rodriguez. Enrique de Alcocer was designated as prosecutor. The trial started with the reading of the charges against the accused by Judge Advocate Dominguez. This was followed by a detailed presentation of Rizal’s case by Alcocer, which culminated in his call on the members of the military tribunal to render a decision by imposing death penalty on the accused. Alcocer’s argument rested on Rizal’s admission of the founding of La Liga, which to his mind had something to do with Bonifacio’s revolution. Thus, Alcocer averred that: unded on rousing the passions of the people against 7 the main burden of guilt is on the man who awakens dormant feelings and raises false hopes for the future (Guerrero, 1998). In a.crime for nate speech, Taviel de Andrade took the f Rizal. Taviel de Andrade’s defense was ne on ete mt ‘of evidence and the law applying the Penal Code of ca ¢ ‘ippines. Believing that the prosecution was biased on Spain in the Philippines "eying that penalties can only be imposed on F b Rizal, he defended ee of the following means: ocular inspection; an accused throue’ "3, credible witnesses; expert opinion; official confession of the Tie. evidences (Guerrero, 1998). As none of these documents Or car Rizal was not guilty of the crime charged against conditions existe? "oy testimonies used against Rizal were given by him. Moreover, 8° OF 124 in ascribing leadership of the revolution to those who were aneed “nd should not be used against the accused. Rizal, these were After the Alcocer’s passi is defense o! 315,,_ After Taviel de Andrade’s brilliant defense, Rizal was asked by the Judge advocate whether he had something to add to what his counsel had presented. Rizal stood up and presented his own brief, (Zulucta, 2004; Guerrero, 1998), 1. 8. 10. 1 am not guilty of rebellion as I even advised Dr. Pio Valenzuela in Dapitan not to rise in revolution. . The revolutionists used by name without my knowledge. If I were guilty, I could have escaped from Singapore. . If had a hand in the Katipunan revolution, I could have escaped Dapitan and should have not built a house there. . If I were the chief of the revolution, why did they not consult me on their plans? I was not the founder of La Solidaridad and the Associacion Hispano-Filipino. . I had nothing to do with the introduction of masonry in the Philippines. Francisco Laktaw Serrano, founder of the Lodge Nilad, had a higher degree than I had. If 1 were the head, since when does an officer permit himself to be promoted to a captain general? The La Liga did not live long. It died a natural death after my banishment to Dapitan. If the La Liga was re-organized nine months later, I was totally unaware of it. It was true that I wrote the statutes of the La Liga: The La Liga, however, is a civic association whose purposes are unity and development of commerce and industry. While it was true that there were some bitter statements in my letters, it was because they were written when my family was being persecuted, being dispossessed of their houses and lands; and my brother and brother-in-law were rusticated without due process of law. 31611. It was not true that ; eet speeches at thy (at the revolution was inspired in one of my P house of Doroteo Ongjungco, as alleged by the valaon whom I would like to confront. My friends knew very 't my vehement opposition to an armed rebellion. 12. Why did the Katipunan send an emissary to me in Dapitan, who was a total stranger to me? Because those who knew me Were cognizant that I would never sanction any violent movement. 13. My life in Dapitan had been exemplary, as evidenced by my Productive activities for the welfare of the people. Even the Politico-military commanders and missionary priests could attest to this, On the same day, the verdict of the military court, signed by Jose Togores, Was submitted to Governor Polavieja, who referred the same to Nicolas de la Pefia, the Judge Advocate General, for comments. De la Pefia concurred with the decision made by the court. He found Rizal guilty beyond reasonable doubt and therefore, should be condemned to death by firing squad at the place and time to be chosen by the governor- general. Polavieja approved De la Pefia’s recommendations on December 28, 1896. He, then, decreed Rizal’s execution on December 30 at 7:00 o'clock in the morning at Bagumbayan Field. This decree runs as follows (De Ocampo, 1956): Manila, December 28, 1896 Conformably to the foregoing opinion, Iapprove the sentence dictated by the Court Martial in the present case, by virtue of which the death. is imposed on accused Jose Rizal Mercado, which shall be executed by shooting him at 7:00 o'clock in the morning of the 3oth of this month in the field of Bagumbayan. For compliance and the rest that may correspond, let this be returned to the Judge Advocate, Captain Don Rafael Dominguez. 317Rizal's Trial and His Alleged Guilt Rizal's trial was a clear case of mistrial — a very clear confirmation Of the injustice of the Spanish Regime (Zaide & Zaide, 1999). It was a deliberate effort to condemn Rizal to death for the following reasons: i, 2. Rizal was a civilian but was tried by a military tribunal; Rizal was already condemned guilty even before the trial; . All allegations against Rizal were accepted by the court but not the arguments and evidence in his favor; . Rizal was not allowed to confront witnesses against him nor his counsel to cross-examine them, . Evidences to convict Rizal did not have any bearing on his alleged commission of the complex crime of rebellion; and . In military tribunals, the accused is almost certain to be found guilty. Considering Rizal’s defense for the crime imputed on him raises the question of whether he was guilty or innocent? As pointed out by Guerrero (1998), Rizal was neither guilty nor innocent. Evidences used by the military court were not sufficient to warrant the finding of guilty and the concomitant imposition of death penalty. Moreover, Rizal was really innocent of the accusation that he was the moving spirit behind the revolution started by Bonifacio and the Katipunan. While Rizal was denying any connection with the KKK, he was actually its source of inspiration. In fact, his name was used as a password for one of the grades of membershio in the KKK. Nonetheless, he repudiated the revolution started by the Katipunan, as gleaned from the manifesto he wrote at Fort Santiago on December 15, 1896. 318This manifesto, as translated by Palma (1949) is presented below. My Countrymen: vee oe my return from Spain, Ilearned that my name had been used as @ war ery among some who were in arms, The news painfully surprised me, but believing it was all over, I kept silent over what I considered irremediable. Now Ihear rumors that the disturbances continue, and lest any persons should still go on using my name in bad or good faith, to remedy this abuse and to undeceive the unwary. [hasten to address you these lines so that the truth may be known. From the beginning, when Ihad news of what was being planned, I opposed it, fought it, and demonstrated its absolute impossibility. This is the truth and witnesses to my words are still living. Iwas convinced that the idea was highly absurd and, what was worse, would bring great suffering. I did more. When later, in spite of my counsels, the movement broke out, I spontaneously offered not only my services, but my life, even my name so that they might use them in the manner they saw fit to suppress the rebellion, for, convinced of the evils that would befall them. Iconsidered myself fortunate if, at any sacrifice. I could prevent such useless misfortunes. This is equally of record. My countrymen: I have given proofs, more than anybody else, of desiring liberties for our country and I still desire them. But Iplace as a premise the education of the people so that by means of education and of labor they might have a personality of their own and make themselves worthy of liberties. In my writings Ihave recommended redemption. Ihave also written that reforms, to be fruitful, have to come from above, that those that come from below are irregular and unstable. Imbued with these ideals, I cannot but condemn this absurd, savage uprising planned behind my back, which dishonors us, the Filipinos, and discredits those who may advocate our cause. I abhor its criminal methods and disclaim all participation therein, pitying from the bottom of my heart the unwary, who have allowed themselves to be deceived. Return then to your houses, and may God forgive those who have acted in bad faith. ‘The Last Remaining Hours on Earth The verdict of death sentence was read to Rizal on December 29, 1896 (Romero et al, 1978). At the outset, Rizal refused to sign it owing to his innocen ce and objection to his being labeled as a Chinese mestizo. Later, realizing that the law required it, he affixed his signature on the notification of the court’s decision. 319With only twenty fours remaining on earth, Rizal sent a note to hig family, as he wants to see them before his execution. The day proved to be @ hectic one for him as visitors come and go: members of his family, Journalists; his defense counsel; Jesuits and other friars who were convincing Rizal to go back to the fold of Catholicism. While busy attending to his visitors, he took time to write his last letter to his best friend and confidante, Blumentritt. The letter runs this way (National Centennial Commission, 1962): When you receive this letter, [shall be dead. Ishall be shot tomorrow at seven o'clock, but Iam innocent of the crime of rebellion. Jam going to die with a clear conscience. Farewell my best, my dearest friend, and never think ill of me. Later in the afternoon, his mother, together with Maria, Trinidad, Narcisa, his niece Angelica, and his favorite nephew, Mauricio, visited Rizal. First to see him was his mother. Dofia Teodora;-who was then crying, approached Rizal to embrace him but the cell guard separated them. Rizal knelt and kissed his mother’s hand. After a brief silence between them, Rizal asked Doria Teodora to secure the permission of the authorities for his family to bury his dead body. She, then, left the cell afterwards. As his mother could not accept Rizal’s fate, she even tried seeking executive clemency for her son. Nonetheless, her attempt to secure such pardon from the governor-general proved futile. After his mother, Rizal’s family members came one at a time. As a Person who is about to die, he tried to give each one of them something that would make them remember him. He gave a wicker chair to Narcisa, while Angelica, his niece, received a handkerchief from him. To Trinidad, Rizal gave an alcohol burner and told her that something important was inside it. It was inside this alcohol burner where Rizal had placed his last poem, which came to be entitled later as Mi Ultimo Adios or My Last Farewell. Only Maria, however, was not given a gift by Rizal as nothing was left for her. Josephine came later for a brief visit, Rizal kissed her before she left. Josephine was in tears, knowing that Rizal would soon leave her. Knowing that his message and poem could be kept for posterity, Rizal then rested, feeling that his mission was over. One by one, his memory of the distant and immediate past flashes back to him. His tranquility, however, was disturbed by the footsteps and voices outside his prison cell. Meantime, the Jesuits came back to see Rizal to convince him to retract his alleged religious errors and return to the fold of Catholicism. Rizal’s last day was indeed an exhausting one for him, 320The Execution of a Hero Rizal woke up early in spi ; fatigue'hié - ly in spite of the physical and mental fatigue i= oe previous day. After taking his breakfast at 5:30 in the morning, took time to write two letters: one for his family; and the other one for Meat His first letter is presented below (National Heroes Commission, To My Family, Task you forgiveness forthe pain Ioause you, but some day [shall have to die and itis better that Idie now in the plenitude of my conscience. Dear Parents, brother, and sisters, give thanks to God that I may preserve my tranquility before my death. I die resigned, hoping that my death you will be left in peace. Ah! It is better to die than to live suffering. Console yourselves. Tenjoin you to forgive one another the little meanness of life and try to live united in peace and good harmony. Treat your old parents, as you would like to be treated by your children later. Love them very much in my memory. Bury me in the ground. Place a stone and a cross over it — my name, the date of my birth, and of my death. Nothing more. If later you wish to surround my grave with fence, you can do so. No anniversaries. I prefer Paang Bundok. Have pity on, poor Josephine. Rizal’s second letter, which was addressed to Paciano runs as follows (National Heroes Commission, 1964): My Dear Brother, Ithas been fouranda half years that we have not seen each other or have addressed one another in writing or orally. Ido not believe this is due to lack of affection either on my part or yours, but because knowing each other so well, we had no need of words to understand each other. Now Iam going to die, it is to you I dedicate my last words to tell you how much I regret to leave you alone in life bearing all the weight of the family and of our old parents. 321‘ have a career, I I think of how you have worked to enable me to believe that Ihave tried not to waste my time. My brother: If the fruit has been bitter, it is not my fault, itis the fault of circumstances. I know you have suffered much because of me. am sorry. je i beltion. If Iassure you, brother, that Idie innocent of this crime of rel my former writings had been able to contribute towards tt, ishonld not deny absolutely, but then I believe Iexpiated my past with my exile. Tell our father that Iremember him, but how? Iremember my whole childhood, his tenderness and his love. Ask him to forgive me for the pain Icause him unwillingly. Your Brother, Jose Rizal Josephine arrived at 5:30 in the morning, accompanied by Josefa. With tears in her eyes, she embraced Rizal. Rizal reciprocated by embracing her and giving her, his last gift, the book of Thomas Kemphis, entitled Imitation of Christ. After watching Josephine walk out of his cell, Rizal wrote his last letter to his father. This letter is presented below (National Heroes Commission, 1964): My Beloved Father, Pardon me for the pain I repay you for sorrows and sacrifices for my education. Idid not want or prefer it. . Jose Rizal Rizal also prepared a letter for his mother but he was not able to complete it. The trumpet sounded at 6:30 in the morning, ignaling beginning of Rizal's death march. * theThe Death March and Execution of Rizal ‘i The death march began at exactly 6:30 in the morning. Rizal sported a black suit and vest with a black hat Although his arms were tied behind his back, he walked serenely as if nothing would happen to him Behind him were Lieutenant Taviel de Andrade, his defender, lather March, and Father Villaclara. Marching behind them, with pomp and precision, was a platoon of Spanish soldiers. Spectators lined along the street from Fort Santiago to Plaza del Palacio, in front of the Manila Cathedral; then to Malecon Street (now called Bonifacio Drive] until the participants in the death march, reached Bagumbayan Field. A mammoth crowd of Filipinos and foreigners was able to inch closer to the cordon formed by the Spanish soldiers to take a last glimpse of Rizal, Upon arriving at Bagumbayan Field, Rizal bid goodbye to Lieutenant Luis Taviel de Andrade, the two priests who accompanied him in the march and finally, to Josephine. Before proceeding to the designated place where Rizal was supposed to stand, Dr. Felipe Castillo, a military physician, checked his pulse and found it normal. Before the execution, Rizal requested the commander of the cavalry that he be shot facing his executioners considering that he was not a traitor. The request, however, was denied as the Spanish officer had a standing order from higher authorities that Rizal should be shot at the back. " The trumpet sounded again signaling the commencement of the execution. As the commander shouted Fuego or Fire, the guns of the firing squad rang out in a row. Rizal slowly turned his back to the firing squad, faced the sea and fell to the ground.-The military band played the Marcha de Cadiz, Spain’s national hymn. Shouts of Viva Esparia (Long Live Spain) and Muerte A Los Traidores (Death to the Traitors) could be heard all over the place at exactly 7:03 in the morning. It was all over. Rizal had been executed. Rizal had died but he lives in the hearts of the people, as a martyr to Filipino freedom (Capino et al, 1977). His leadership — being direct, enlightened, liberal, democratic, progressive, compassionate and peaceful — wan the crowning glory of his service to the Filipino people. This kind of leadership that he manifested can be gleaned from his writings and personal examples. Here lies his excellence as an individual, a man with @ purpose and conscience. 323Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios This poem was the longest, untitled poem written by Rizal on December 29, 1896. According to Coates (1968), this poem is remarkab) for it achieves four separate purposes. + Itis a poem of farewell. * Itis an appeal to the Filipinos, not forget him. + Itis Rizal’s last will and testament. + Itis Rizal’s autobiography. The poem as translated by Derbyshire, cited by Zulueta (2004) is presented below. MY LAST FAREWELL Farewell, dear Fatherland, clime of the sun caress’d Pear! of the Orient seas, our Eden lost! Gladly now I go to give thee this faded life’s best And were it brighter, fresher, or more blest Still would Igive it thee, nor count the cost. On the field of battle, ‘mid the frenzy of light, Others have given their lives, without doubt or heed; The place matters not — cypress or laurel or lily white, Scaffold or open plain, combat or martyrdom's plight, ‘Tis ever the same, to serve our home and country’s need. Idie just when I see the dawn break, Through the gloom of night, to herald the day; And if color is lacking my blood thou shalt take, Pour'd out at need for thy dear sake, To dye with its crimson the walking ray. My dreams, when life first opened to me, My dreams, when hopes of youth beat high, Were to see thy lov'd face, O gem of the Orient sea, From gloom and grief, from care and sorrow free; No blush on thy brown, no tear to thine eye. 324aaa life, my living and burning desire, All hail A; les the soul that is now to take flight; Todi il! And sweet it is for thee to expire, a ne fon thy sake, that thou mayst aspire sleep in thy bosom eternity’s long night. If over my grave, some day thou seest grow, Inthe grassy sod, a humble flower, Draw it to thy lips and kiss my soul so, While I may feel on my brow in the cold tomb below The touch of thy tenderness, thy breath’s warm power. Let the moon beam over me soft and serene, Let the dawn shed over me its radiant flashes, Let the wind with the sad lament over me keen; And if on my cross a bird should be seen, Let it trill there its hymn of peace of my ashes. Let the sun draw the vapors up to the sky, And heavenward in purity bear my tardy protest; Let some kind soul o'er my untimely fate sigh, ‘And in the still evening a prayer be lifted on high, From thee, O my country, that in God Imay rest. Pray for ail those that hapless have died, For all who have suffered the unmeasured pain; For our mothers that bitterly their voices have cried, For widows and orphans, for captives by torture tried; ‘and then for thyself that redemption thou mayst gain. And when the dark night wraps the graveyard around, With only the dead in their vigil to see; Break not my repose or the mystery profound, ‘And perchance thou mayst hear a sad hymn resound, “Tis I, O my country, raising a song to thee. When even my grave is remembered no more, Unmarked by never a cross ora stone; Let the plow sweep through it, the spade tum it o’er That my ashes may carpet thy earthly floor, Before into nothingness at last they are blown.Then will oblivion bring to me no care; As over thy vales and plains Isweep; Throbbing and cleansed in thy space and air, With color and light, with song and lament Ifare, Ever repeating the faith that Ikeep. My Fatherland adored that sadness to my sorrow lends, Beloved Filipinas, hear now my last good-bye! Igive thee all; parent and kindred and friends; For Igo where no slaves before the oppressor bends, Where faith can never kill, and God reigns e’er on high! Farewell to you all, from my soul torn away, Friends of my childhood in the home dispossessed! Give thanks that I rest from the wearisome day! Farewell to thee, too, sweet friend, that lightened my way; Beloved creatures all, farewell! In death there is rest! As pointed out earlier, the poem was without title and authorship. When presented to Basa and Ponce in Hong Kong, they concluded that it was written by Rizal. The first title used by Ponce for this poem was Mi Uttimo Pensamiento (My Last Thought). Nonetheless, when it was published in the La Independencia, its title was changed to Mi Ultimo Adios (Osias, 1948). Close reading of the poem reveals Rizal’s spirit of fairness and justice, as no stanza is given over to condemnation, no phrase to recrimination, no word to hatred despite the oppression and injustice he suffered. The poem was Rizal’s farewell to his native land, which he described as Dear Fatherland, Clime of the Sun Caressed, Pearl of the Orient Seas, Beloved Filipinas and My Fatherland. To this venerated and adored land, Rizal gladly offered his life for the good of his country, From the analysis made by Osias (1972), the whole poem depicts Rizal, the supreme patriot. Mi Ultimo Adios is an epic poem expressive of idealism, morality and spirituality. Here Rizal bid his Parents, goodbye showing that he was dying young. He even expressed his grief leaving his parents, brother, and sisters, whom he considered his childhood friends in the lost paradise. He, likewise, bid farewell to Josephine—his dulce extranjera, a friend, a wife and a source of delight, The last stanza of the poem articulates Rizal’s inspiring faith. According to Osias (1972), Rizal asserted his Masonic and Teligious fervor in this portion of Mi Ultimo Adios, Rizal clearly indicated here that deathhas no sting, Thus, hi spirit ie importer wire, Aced death calmly for he was aware that the tal since he was going to a world where there are no ae ae faith does not slay, and where God reigns supreme. The jnreet, '* Poem bequeaths Rizal's philosophy of life: In death there On the Issue of Rizal’s Retraction One of the controversial issues about Rizal was on the question of whether he died a Catholic or a Mason. The assumed retraction of our national hero continues to. intrigue historians, as well as students. Some are arguing that Rizal retracted his Masonic views and embraced his Catholic faith before he died. On the other hand, there are those that retraction is a lie considering that Rizal, throughout his life was a free and rational thinker. The two versions of Rizal's retraction document, cited by Hessel (1965) in a paper he presented at Silliman University, are shown below. Text of the Retraction Discovered by Fr. Vicente ‘Retraction As Reported by Father Balaguer Garcia in the Archives of the Archdiocese in 1935, Me declare catolica y en esta religion en que naci y me eduque quiero vivir y morir. Me retracto de todo corazon de cuanto en mis palabras, escritos, impresos, y conducta ha habido contrario a mi cualidad de hijo de la iglesia Catolica. Creo y profeso cuanto ella ensefis y me someto a cuarto ella manda. Abomino de la Masoneria, como enemiga que es de la iglesia y como sociedad prohibida por la Iglesia Puede el Parelado Diocesano, como Autorided Superior Eclesiastica hacer publica esta manifestacion espotanea mia para reparar cl escandalo que mis actos hayan podido causar y para que Dios y los hombres me perdonen. ElAyudante Eloy Moure ElJefe del Piquete Uplaze: Juan del Fresno Text of with His Notarial Seal of August 8, 1919 Me declare catolico y en esta religion en que naci y me eduque quiero vivir y morir. Me retracto de todo corazon y conducta ha habido contrario a mi cualidad de hijo de Ia. Iglesia. Creo y profeso cuanto ella ensefia; y me someto a cuarto ella manda. Abomino dela Masoneria, como enemiga que es de la Iglesia, y como sociedad prohibida por la misma Iglesia Parelado diocesano como autoridad Superior hacer publica esta manifestacion, espontanea mia Pera repsrar e] escandalo que mis actos hayan podido causar y para que Dios y los hombres me perdonen. Manila, 29 de Deciembre 1896 Esta retraccion en firmaron con el Dr. Jose Rizal, el Sefior Fresno Jefe del Piquete y el Sefior Moure, Ayudante de la Plaza. ‘The Roman Catholic Church is, of course, the greatest exponent of the view that Rizal died a Catholic and retracted his Masonic views. Evidences used by the Church to prove the veracity of its claim, as well as those who share the same belief, are summed by Father Cavanna (1956) cited by Hessel (1965): 327a 1, The Retraction document is the chief witness to the reality of the retraction itself, since its discovery in 1935. The burden of proof rests with those who question the retraction. 2. Rizal recited and signed the prayer book entitled Acts of Faith, Hope and Charity. This book was offered to Rizal after his signing of the retraction document according to Father Balaguer. Part of what Rizal signed states, I believe in God the Father, I believe in God the Son, the Holy Ghost, Three Distinct Parsons, and only one true God..... I believe that the Roman Pontiff, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Visible head of the Church, is the Pastor and Teacher of all Christians; that He is infallible when He teaches doctrines of faith and morals to be observed by the Universal Church and his definitions are in themselves binding and immutable; and I believe all that the Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church believes and teaches, since God who can neither deceived nor be deceived, has so revealed it; and in this faith I wish to live and die. 3. The testimony of the press at the time of the event, of eyewitnesses, especially those who were closely associated with events, like the head of the Jesuit order, attested that Rizal did retract and sign a retraction document. 4. Rizal performed acts of picty during his last hours, as testified by the witnesses. a The Church, through the Jesuits, solemnized Rizal’s marriage to Josephine Bracken, as attested by witnesses. The Catholic Church will not officiate a marriage ceremony without Rizal’s retraction of his religious errors. While Cavanna and other pro-retraction scholars pointed to the foregoing evidences to support their position, those who espouse the belief that Rizal did not retract substantiate their claim based on the following arguments (Hessel, 1965): 1, The retraction document is a forgery. As Pointed out by Pascual (1950), the handwriting in the document is questionable, as only one man prepared it. The point stressed by Pascual was corroborated by the confession made by the forger to Antonio Abad on August 13, 1901, employed by the friars earlier that same year to make several copies of the retraction document (Runes & Buenafe, 1962). 328= eae 2. The other a cts and facts do not fit well with the story of retraction. Some of theae are the following: " > the retraction document was not made public until 35, Even members of Rizal’s family did not see it. > No effort was made to save Rizal from death penalty after saying his retraction. » — Rizal's burial was kept secret. He was buried outside the inner wall of the Paco Cemetery. > The record of his burial was not placed on the page of entries of December 30th but on a special page, where at least one other admitted non-penitent is recorded. > There is no marriage certificate or public record of Rizal's marriage with Josephine Bracken. > Rizal’s behavior did not point to a conversion during his last 24 hours, His Ultimo Adios and the letters he wrote during his remaining hours do not indicate conversion. 3. The retraction is out of character. It is not in keeping with Rizal’s character and faith. It is incongruent with his previous assertions and declarations of religious thought. While historians, biographers and students of Rizal’s life, works and writings are divided on the issue of his retraction, it cannot be denied that this issue neither adds nor diminishes his greatness as a Filipino, His contribution to nation building makes the people revere him. In the words of Hessel (1965), Catholic or Mason, Rizal is still Rizal; the hero who courted death to prove those who deny our patriotism that we know how to die for our duty and our beliefs. 329