Module 11: The Retraction of Jose Rizal
Introduction
First scene (Narrator - Angel) : Today, we will discuss one of the most
debated controversies in Philippine history—the alleged retraction of José
Rizal.
Continuation of 1st scene (Narrator) : Jose Rizal, our national hero, is
revered for his writings that ignited the flames of Philippine nationalism.
Yet, before his execution in 1896, a controversy arose regarding whether he
renounced his anti-Catholic views and reaffirmed his faith.
Body
2nd scene (Cyril) : The controversy centers on conflicting accounts from
Spanish authorities and Rizal’s close associates. The Catholic Church
maintains that Rizal retracted his beliefs, married Josephine Bracken in a
Catholic ceremony, and died as a devout Catholic.
3rd scene (Ashley) : One of the main reasons is the absence of the original
retraction document, which raises doubts about its authenticity.
Additionally, inconsistencies in reports and the Spanish government’s
potential motive for propaganda further cloud the issue.
4th scene (Ashley) : That’s right. Even some of Rizal’s closest
contemporaries, like Mariano Ponce and Dr. Pío Valenzuela, doubted the
validity of the retraction. They believed Rizal remained firm in his
nationalist ideals, criticizing both Spanish colonial rule and clerical abuses.
5th scene (Cyril) : Another point to consider is that despite the alleged
retraction, the Catholic Church initially refused to grant him a proper
Christian burial. This casts doubt on whether he truly reconciled with the
Church before his death.
6th scene (Richard) : But we cannot completely dismiss the possibility that
Rizal did retract. Some witnesses claimed he expressed a desire to return to
the Catholic faith. Perhaps, facing death, he found solace in spirituality and
reconciliation.
7th scene (Richard) : After all, the Church would not have fabricated such a
claim lightly, knowing the impact it would have on his legacy and the
revolutionary movement.
8th scene (Cyril) : Still, we must be cautious. Many believe that the alleged
retraction was crafted to discredit Rizal’s influence. The Spanish authorities
needed a way to diminish his heroic image and weaken the revolutionary
spirit.
9th scene (Lyka) : Whether or not he truly retracted, it is essential to
recognize that Rizal’s actions and sacrifices have left an indelible mark on
Philippine history.
Conclusion
Last scene (narrator - Angel) : Indeed, the controversy remains unresolved
to this day. Whether Rizal retracted his beliefs or not, his legacy transcends
this single issue. His dedication to truth, justice, and freedom continues to
inspire Filipinos to strive for a better nation.
In the end, Rizal’s spirit lives on, reminding us that one’s ideals and
principles shape a legacy far greater than any single moment of doubt.
Narrator (ASHLEY):
On December 29, 1896, Dr. José Rizal, the Philippine national hero, was
imprisoned in Fort Santiago, awaiting his execution. As his final hours
approached, two Jesuit priests, Father Vicente Balaguer and Father
Vilaclara, were sent with a sacred mission — to offer spiritual guidance and
reconciliation to the condemned man.
Father Balaguer, entrusted by the Archbishop of Manila, recounts the
events of that day — an encounter that would change the course of history.
Narrator (ASHLEY):
When Father Balaguer and Father Vilaclara arrived at Rizal’s cell that
morning, they were greeted with warmth. Rizal, though resigned to his fate,
welcomed them with the respect and affection that had marked his past
relationship with the Jesuits.
Their conversation, however, would not be a simple exchange. It would be a
discussion of faith, salvation, and eternal destiny.
Narrator (ASHLEY):
Rizal, as Father Balaguer recalls, expressed that his rule of faith was the
Word of God found in the Scriptures alone. To him, individual reason and
the Holy Bible were sufficient. But Father Balaguer knew that such a belief,
though well-intentioned, lacked the authority of the Catholic Church — the
guardian of divine truth.
With gentle yet firm conviction, Father Balaguer pointed out the inherent
flaw in relying solely on personal interpretation of the Scriptures. Without
the Church’s authority, how could one be certain of the authenticity of the
Word of God?
Narrator (ASHLEY)
And so, Father Balaguer warned Rizal: Without embracing the teachings of
the Church, he risked eternal damnation. He spoke of the dangers of
rationalism and the perils of placing faith in human reason alone.
It was in this moment, as Father Balaguer recounts, that Rizal’s composure
began to crack.
Narrator (ASHLEY):
After this conversation, Rizal requested the formula of retraction prepared
by the Archbishop. Father Balaguer read it to him, but Rizal was dissatisfied
with the style. He found it too formal and disconnected from his own voice.
And so, he asked for a simpler, more personal version — one that reflected
his own thoughts and feelings.
Narrator (ASHLEY):
This was the last chapter of José Rizal’s life. But in death, his legacy — and
the questions surrounding his final days — would endure for generations to
come.
Narrator (RICHARD):
In 1917, Father Pio Pi, the Jesuit Superior in the Philippines at the time of
Dr. José Rizal’s execution, issued an affidavit recounting his role in the
events leading to Rizal's retraction. According to Father Pi, the task of
reconciling Rizal with the Church was entrusted to the Jesuits by
Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda.
Narrator (RICHARD):
On December 28, 1896, Father Pi received this commission, though he did
not personally visit Rizal. Instead, he was kept informed by the Jesuit priests
who were with him at Fort Santiago. The spiritual care they offered was not
without difficulty. Rizal, having long been estranged from the Church,
resisted at first.
Narrator (RICHARD):
After a lengthy and intense discussion, signs of transformation began to
emerge. Rizal expressed a deep and sincere return to religious faith,
showing visible signs of piety and remorse. His conversion was marked by a
profound moment of self-reflection, leading to the pivotal moment of signing
the retraction.
Narrator (RICHARD):
In the presence of witnesses — including Chief of the Picket Juan del Fresno
and Adjutant Eloy Moure — Rizal signed the retraction. But this was not the
end. Without any prompting, Rizal knelt before the altar of the chapel and
read his retraction aloud, slowly and solemnly.
Narrator (RICHARD):
Father Pi attested to the authenticity of these events, confirming the
sincerity of Rizal’s final moments of reconciliation. Rizal, once a staunch
critic of the Church, sought peace with God in his last hours. This retraction
remains a powerful and debated moment in Philippine history.
Narrator (RICHARD):
In Biografia de Rizal, Rafael Palma critically analyzes the story of Dr. José
Rizal’s alleged retraction before his execution. Palma argues that most
testimonies supporting the conversion come from biased ecclesiastics,
diminishing their credibility. He notes that the only impartial testimony,
from Rizal’s defense lawyer, Taviel de Andrade, is based on hearsay.
Narrator (LYKA):
For Palma, Rizal’s retraction was not a true conversion, but a "pious
fraud"—a political move designed to tarnish his image and erase his
influence, undermining the hero who resisted colonial oppression.
LYKA
In his book Rizal: Philippine Nationalist and Martyr, Austin Coates delves
into the controversy surrounding José Rizal’s alleged retraction before his
execution. Coates reveals that while the Church claimed Rizal had retracted
his beliefs, those who knew him best—including his family—dismissed it as
a fraud.
Coates argues there was no signed letter of retraction, as Rizal knew the
damage it would cause. The Jesuits responsible for his spiritual care did not
believe he had retracted, and had they been convinced, they would have
ensured he received a proper Christian burial.
Additionally, Coates points out inconsistencies in Father Balaguer’s
account, such as the omission of Rizal’s Ultimo Adios poem, which suggests
that Balaguer was not fully aware of what transpired during Rizal's final
moments. Ultimately, Coates concludes that the story of Rizal’s retraction is
shrouded in contradictions and unanswered questions.
