Did Rizal Retract? PDF

Preview

Summary

READING IN PHILIPPINE HISTORYREFLECTION PAPER: Did Rizal Retract?Dr. Jose Rizal has been the symbol of nationalistic patriotism. His heroism and contribution to nationalism has always been looked up to. In fact, his story has been narrated in innumerable books and articles. Howbeit, an issue about h...

Description

READING IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

REFLECTION PAPER: Did Rizal Retract?

Dr. Jose Rizal has been the symbol of nationalistic patriotism. His heroism and contribution to nationalism has always been looked up to. In fact, his story has been narrated in innumerable books and articles. Howbeit, an issue about his so-called retraction has been a lingering issue as it claims that Jose Rizal retracted his anti-Catholic writings right before his execution.

Some sources states that this allegation is not true. These sources claims that friars who visited him prior to his execution forced him to admit his deed against religion and retract them. However, there are sources who claims that Rizal really did retract his writings. In sooth, they even showed some documents which proves that the retraction really happened such as “The Retraction” wherein it incorporates Jose Rizal’s declaration that he is a Catholic as well as his confession of his wrongdoings against religion. It was also cited in some sources that Jose Rizal wanted to get buried in a Christian way.

As I read some articles regarding this issue, I reached a conclusion that Jose Rizal might not actually retracted his writings. Although some sources shows evidences through various

documents and evidences that Rizal’s retraction was true, I still have doubts regarding it. First, I am suspicious about the reason why Rizal would choose to admit that he really committed a sin when it won’t change the fact that he would still be executed the day after. Also, it was mentioned in some articles that the original copy of “The Retraction” was found in the archdiocesan archives and was later on presented as a form of forgery. In addition to that, it was also said that Father Balaguer claimed that Jose Rizal was married to Josephine Bracken before his execution, however, there were no marriage certificate that could authenticate Balaguer’s reasoning. With these, I am siding on the argument that Rizal did not retract.

Nevertheless, whether Rizal’s retraction was really true or not, it wouldn’t change the fact that he contributed a lot in terms of nationalism and that he is still our National Hero who deserves to be glorified for sacrificing his life for our nation....