Jose Rizal's Retraction Quiz

Jose Rizal's Retraction

• Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda was born on June 19, 1861.
• Rizal is best known for his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
• December 29, 1896: Rizal was allegedly asked to sign a retraction document.
• May 18, 1935: Father Manuel Garcia discovered the "original" text of Rizal's retraction.

Two Sides of the Retraction

• Jose Rizal Retracted:
  • Father Vicente Balaguer claimed that Rizal confessed, celebrated mass, received communion, and prayed the rosary.
  • Mariano Martinez Gallegos stated that Rizal signed a "retraction" document witnessed by Juan del Fresno and Eloy Moure.
  • Evidence: The Cuerpo de Vigilencia transcript, Rizal's writing in Josephine Bracken's "De la Imitacion de Cristo"
• Jose Rizal did not Retract:
  • The retraction letter is considered inauthentic.
  • No reliable eyewitness accounts corroborate the retraction claim.
  • Rizal was facing imminent execution.
  • Rizal's beliefs were against the retraction.
  • There were no public declarations of Rizal's retraction.
  • No evidence of Jose Rizal and Josephine Bracken's marriage.

The Position of Group 3

• Group 3 states their position that Jose Rizal did not retract.
• Supporting arguments:
  • No marriage certificate of Jose Rizal and Josephine Bracken exists.
  • Rizal's family did not see the "original" retraction document.
  • The "original" text was discovered by Father Manuel Garcia in 1935.

Jose Rizal's Retraction

• Jose Rizal's retraction is a subject of debate among historians.
• Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, and died on December 30, 1896, in Bagumbayan, Manila.
• His notable works are Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
• On December 29, 1896, Rizal allegedly signed a retraction document.
• Father Manuel Garcia discovered a document he claims to be the "original" text of Rizal's retraction on May 18, 1935.
• Two viewpoints exist regarding Rizal's retraction: he either did or did not retract his beliefs.

Argument: Rizal Retracted

• Fr. Vicente Balaguer claimed Rizal had several "rude awakenings" and confessed, celebrated mass, received communion, and prayed the rosary.
• Mariano Martinez Gallegos attested that Rizal signed a "retraction" document witnessed by Juan del Fresno and Eloy Moure.

Evidence: Cuerpo de Vigilencia Transcript

• The text of the transcript includes a "short writing by Rizal found in Josephine Bracken’s copy of De la Imitacion de Cristo".

Argument: Rizal Did Not Retract

• The authenticity of the retraction letter itself has been questioned by historians.
• There are no reliable eyewitness accounts to corroborate the retraction.
• The retraction happened when Rizal was facing imminent execution.
• Rizal being forced to sign a retraction against his beliefs was considered unlikely given his strong convictions.
• There is no public declaration or announcement made regarding Rizal's alleged retraction.
• No evidence exists of Rizal and his estranged wife, Josephine Bracken, being married.

Conclusion:

• This group claims Jose Rizal did not retract, citing the lack of concrete evidence and supporting testimonies that prove the authenticity of any retraction, as well as the likelihood of it being coerced.
• They also note that the absence of a marriage certificate for Rizal and Bracken strengthens this conclusion.

Test your knowledge on the life of Jose Rizal, particularly focusing on the controversial topic of his retraction. Explore the claims surrounding whether he retracted his statements regarding his faith and the evidence for both sides of the argument. This quiz delves into the historical context, key figures involved, and differing interpretations.