Rizal's Retraction and Freemasonry

The Retraction Letter of Rizal

• Rizal, a prominent Filipino writer and intellectual, was accused of sedition due to his works criticizing the Church and deemed a leader of the Katipunan, a revolutionary group.
• Rizal was denied the sacrament of marriage by a priest unless he retracted his statements against the Catholic Church.
• The Retraction Letter, purportedly signed by Rizal before his execution, was only revealed to the public in 1935.
• Historians debate its authenticity as the original document has never been publicly shown.
• The retraction issue divides historians into two camps: those believing Rizal re-embraced Catholicism, and those who remain skeptical.

Freemasonry and Its Relation to the Catholic Church

• Freemasonry is a global fraternal organization with roots in medieval times. It promotes brotherhood, integrity, and shared belief in the fatherhood of God.
• The Catholic Church, although not explicitly atheistic, has historically criticized Freemasonry due to conflicts in their teachings.
• The term "supreme architect of the universe" used by Freemasons to refer to God prompted the Church to accuse them of Deism, a belief that God created the universe without intervention.
• The Church deems Deism heretical and prohibits its members from joining Freemasonry, threatening excommunication for those who do.

Rizal’s Last 24 Hours and the Jesuit Version of the Retraction

• Archbishop Bernardino Nozaleda asked the Jesuits to attend to Rizal’s spiritual needs before his execution.
• Jesuit Superior Fr. Pio Pi, recognizing Rizal as a former student, assigned priests including Frs. Balaguer, Vilaclara, and Faura to persuade Rizal to retract his anti-Catholic views and Masonic affiliation.
• Fr. Balaguer, claiming he spent most of the last day with Rizal, emphasized the importance of his account and insisted Rizal signed the retraction letter before receiving the sacraments.
• Fr. Balaguer stated that Rizal was warned his soul would go to hell if he didn't return to the Catholic faith and that he signed the retraction letter before receiving the sacraments.

Explore the complexities surrounding Rizal's Retraction Letter and its historical context. Delve into the debates over its authenticity and implications on his relationship with the Catholic Church and Freemasonry. Analyze the intertwining themes of faith, rebellion, and brotherhood that shaped Rizal's legacy.