RIZAL

RETRACTION
What is
Retraction?
 RETRACTIO
N is a public statement that
• Retraction
withdraws, cancels, refutes, reverses,
or ceases publishing the original
statement.
 What is Rizal
Retraction?
• Rizal's retraction refers to an alleged document
signed by José Rizal shortly before his
execution in 1896, in which he purportedly
renounced his writings and criticisms of the
Catholic Church and Spanish colonial rule,
though its authenticity remains disputed.
4 iteration of Rizal’s Retraction

• The first version was published on December 30, 1896, the day of
Rizal's execution, in La Voz Espanola and Diaro de Manila.

• The second comes from an anonymous writer who, years later,

came forward to identify himself as Fr. Balaguer. It first published
in the Fortnightly magazine in La Juventud on February 14, 1897,
in Barcelona, Spain.
4 iteration of Rizal’s Retraction

• The third, which was claimed to be the "original text," was

discovered in the Archdiocesan archives on May 18, 1935, after
being missing for thirty-nine years since the afternoon of the day
Rizal was shot.

• The Fourth Text was appeared in El Imparcial the day after Rizal
was executed. It is the concise formula for the retraction.
 Why Rizal Retract?
He wanted to
To save his family
marry Josephine
and town from
Bracken and
further
make her his
persecution
legal wife

He wanted to He wanted to heal

reforms from the sickness of
Spanish the Catholic
Government Church
 To marry Josephine Bracken
Theory:

For José Rizal to marry Josephine Bracken in the

Catholic Church, he would have needed to retract his
anti-Catholic views and renounce his association with
Freemasonry, which was a requirement by the Church
at the time.
 To save his family
Theory:

At that time, the Spanish colonial government was not only

targeting Rizal but also closely monitoring and persecuting his
family due to his political influence and the growing independence
movement. By retracting his criticisms of the Catholic Church and
Spanish rule, Rizal might have hoped to spare his family from
further reprisals, imprisonment, or execution, which were real
threats during that period of intense political unrest.
Reform from Spanish Governmen
Theory:

José Rizal is believed to have renounced his revolutionary ideals,

possibly because he wanted to distance himself from violent
uprising and hoped that the Spanish government would still enact
peaceful reforms. Rizal had always advocated for changes such as
equal rights and better treatment for Filipinos under Spanish rule.
His desire for reforms, rather than revolution, aligned with his
lifelong belief in achieving progress through nonviolent, legal
means.
Returned to the Catholic Faith
Theory:

Rizal might have been expressing a desire to

reconcile with the Church while hoping that it would
reform and correct its wrongs, aligning it more
closely with its spiritual mission rather than its
political and colonial abuses.
Text’s in Rizal’s Retraction
Text’s in Rizal’s Retraction

Me declaro catolica y en esta Religion en

que naci y me eduque quiero vivir y morir.

In English

I declare myself a catholic and in

this Religion in which I was born and
educated I wish to live and die.
Text’s in Rizal’s Retraction
Me retracto de todo corazon de cuanto en mis
palabras, escritos, inpresos y conducta ha habido
contrario a mi cualidad de hijo de la Iglesia Catolica.
Creo y profeso cuanto ella enseña y me somento a
cuanto ella manda. Abomino de la Masonaria, como
enigma que es de la Iglesia, y como Sociedad
prohibida por la Iglesia. Puede el Prelado Diocesano,
como Autoridad Superior Eclesiastica hacer publica
esta manifastacion espontanea mia para reparar el
escandalo que mis actos hayan podido causar y para
que Dios y los hombers me perdonen.
Manila 29 of December of 1896
Text’s in Rizal’s Retraction
In English

I retract with all my heart whatever in my words,

writings, publications and conduct has been
contrary to my character as son of the Catholic
Church. I believe and I confess whatever she
teaches and I submit to whatever she demands.
I abominate Masonry, as the enemy which is of
the Church, and as a Society prohibited by the
Church. The Diocesan Prelate may, as the
Superior Ecclesiastical Authority, make public
this spontaneous manifestation of mine in order
to repair the scandal which my acts may have
caused and so that God and people may pardon
me.
 Witnesses in Rizal
•
Retraction
Fr. Vicente Balaguer:

-He is a Jesuit priest who claimed that he conveyed to convince

Rizal to denounce Masonry and return to Catholic fold

• Fr. Miguel Saderra Mata:

-Another Jesuit who, according to reports, was present during

Rizal’s final moments.

• Fr. Luis Viza:

-A Jesuit priest who claimed to have handed Rizal a crucifix

during his last moments.
Did Rizal
retract?
 Yes, Rizal
Retracted:
Evidence from Testimonies: Supporters of the retraction argue that
testimonies from Jesuit priests, such as Fr. Vicente Balaguer, who
claimed to have witnessed Rizal's retraction and his reconciliation with
the Catholic Church, provide credible evidence that he did indeed
retract his previous anti-Catholic statements.

No, Rizal did not

Retracted:
Skepticism About Authenticity: Critics argue that the retraction
document's authenticity is questionable, suggesting it may have been
fabricated or manipulated by those in power to undermine Rizal’s legacy
as a revolutionary figure, casting doubt on whether he truly renounced
his beliefs.
 Argument about Rizal
Retraction
ARGUMENTS IF IT'S TRUE:

 In the desire for historical truth in much later years, people began
the search of Rizal's retraction and different versions of duly
notarized documents.

 His "Roman Catholic Marriage" to Josephine Bracken as attested to

by "witnesses". There could be no marriage without retraction.

 "Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity" reportedly recited and signed by

Dr. Rizal as attested by "witnesses" and a signed Prayer Book which
was amongst the documents'.
 Argument about Rizal
Retraction
ARGUMENTS IF IT'S TRUE:

 Rizal would not only accept the general Roman Catholic teachings
but would agree to a number of beliefs which he had previously
disclaimed.

 According to the testimony of Father Balaguer, following the signing

of the Retraction a prayer book was offered to Rizal."He took the
prayer book, read slowly those acts accepted them, and took th pen
and said 'Cedro'(I believe) he signed the acts with his name in the
book itself".
 Argument about Rizal
Retraction
ARGUMENTS IF IT’S NOT TRUE:

 Lack of Witnesses: No independent witnesses have come forward to

corroborate the authenticity of the Retraction. The only witnesses
were Spanish priests and officials who had a vested interest in
presenting Rizal as a repentant figure.

 Lack of Original Document: The original document of the Retraction

has never been found. The only evidence of its existence are copies
made by Spanish authorities, which raises questions about their
authenticity and potential manipulation.
 Argument about Rizal
Retraction
ARGUMENTS IF IT’S NOT TRUE:

 Absence of Rizal's Signature: The Retraction document lacks Rizal's

signature. This raises questions about the document's validity and whether
it was truly written by him.

 Political Motives: The retraction document emerged during a period of

intense political turmoil in the Philippines. Some historians believe that the
Spanish authorities may have fabricated the document to discredit Rizal
and undermine the growing nationalist movement.

 Rizal's Last Letter: Rizal's final letter to his family, written shortly before his
execution, makes no mention of a retraction. Instead, it expresses his love
for his country and his unwavering commitment to his ideals.
 What are the
possible effect
of Rizal
retraction?
1. Impact on Rizal's Legacy
-The notion of Rizal retracting his anti-Catholic sentiments
and nationalist views has sparked debates about his true
beliefs and intentions. It has led to contrasting interpretations
of his legacy as a hero of Philippine independence.

2. Religious Implications
-The retraction is often viewed as Rizal's reconciliation with the
Catholic Church, which some see as a repudiation of his earlier
critiques. This has implications for how Rizal is viewed by both
the Church and those who advocate for a secular interpretation
of his work.
3. Influence on Nationalism
-The controversy surrounding the retraction has been
leveraged by various political and social groups to frame
Rizal's narrative according to their agendas. It has influenced
the development of nationalist sentiment and historical
narratives in the Philippines.

4. Cultural Interpretations
-Rizal's retraction has been the subject of various artistic and
literary interpretations, influencing how he is portrayed in
Philippine literature, history, and education.
5. Historiographical Debates
-The retraction has led to significant debates among
historians and scholars regarding the authenticity of the
retraction document, affecting how Rizal’s writings and life
are studied.

6. Symbol of Conformity vs. Rebellion

-For some, the retraction symbolizes a form of conformity to
colonial powers or the Church, while for others, it reflects a
complex and nuanced understanding of Rizal's character as
someone who evolved in his beliefs.