Historical Interpretation Case Study: Did Jose Rizal Retract?

Jose Rizal and the Retraction Controversy

  • Role of Jose Rizal in the Revolution:

    • Jose Rizal is recognized as a hero of the Philippine revolution primarily due to his written works aimed at ending colonialism and awakening the national consciousness of Filipinos.

    • His most influential works include the novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

    • His essays target and vilify the friars, who were the main agents of injustice in Philippine colonial society, rather than the Catholic religion itself.

  • The Nature of the Retraction Document:

    • Any document recanting Rizal's writings against the Catholic Church and the friars could severely impact his reputation as a revolutionary leader.

    • "The Retraction" refers to a document purportedly signed by Rizal a few hours prior to his execution.

    • In this document, Rizal reportedly declares his Catholic faith and retracts all previous statements and publications directed against the Church.

The Primary Source Text of Rizal's Retraction

  • Verbatim Document Text:

    • "I declare myself a catholic and in this Religion in which I was born an educated I wish to live and die. 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. Manila 29 of December of 1896 Jose Rizal"

The Four Iterations of the Retraction Document

  • Publication and Discovery History:

    • First Text: Published on December 30, 1896 (the day of Rizal's execution), in the newspapers La Voz Española and Diario de Manila.

    • Second Text: Published on February 14, 1897, in Barcelona, Spain, within the magazine La Juventud. It was submitted by an anonymous writer later revealed to be Fr. Vicente Balaguer.

    • Original Text: Uncovered in the archdiocesan archives on May 18, 1935, after remaining missing for nearly four decades.

The Balaguer Testimony and the Society of Jesus

  • Fr. Vicente Balaguer's Account:

    • Fr. Vicente Balaguer, a Jesuit friar, provided the only alleged eyewitness testimony regarding the creation and signing of the retraction document.

    • According to Balaguer, during his final hours, Rizal woke up several times, confessed four times, attended mass, received holy communion, and prayed the rosary.

    • These acts were viewed with skepticism by critics as they appeared entirely out of character for Rizal.

    • Despite doubts, Balaguer's testimony long served as the primary supporting evidence for the document's authenticity.

  • Overview of the Jesuits:

    • The Jesuits, officially known as the Society of Jesus, are an apostolic religious community.

    • Grounded in love for Christ, their ministry follows the spiritual vision of their founder, St. Ignatius of Loyola, focusing on serving others and seeking God in all things.

The Cuerpo de Vigilancia and the Report of Federico Moreno

  • Discovery of the Cuerpo de Vigilancia Report:

    • In 2016, research conducted by Professor Rene R. Escalante brought to light official records from the Cuerpo de Vigilancia.

    • The documents contained an official report by Federico Moreno detailing the last hours of Rizal in prison based on the statement of an agent stationed at Fort Santiago.

  • The Cuerpo de Vigilancia de Manila:

    • Established in 1895 by the Spanish colonial administration, the Cuerpo de Vigilancia de Manila served as an intelligence service unit.

    • Its primary duty was gathering intelligence on individuals and groups suspected of inciting rebellion against the colonial government.

Timeline and Details from the Eyewitness Report

  • December 29, 1896 (Events on Death Row):

    • 7:50 AM: Rizal enters death row accompanied by his defense counsel, Señor Taviel de Andrade, and Jesuit priest Father Vilaclara. Rizal is served a light breakfast at the urging of Andrade.

    • Approximately 9:00 AM: Señor Maure, the Assistant of the Plaza, asks Rizal if he requires anything. Rizal requests a prayer book, which is brought to him shortly after by Father March.

    • 10:00 AM: Señor Andrade leaves death row. Rizal engages in an extended discussion regarding religious matters with Father March and Father Vilaclara.

    • 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: The Jesuit fathers present Rizal with a prepared retraction of his life and deeds. Rizal explicitly refuses to sign it, and the parties debate the issue until 12:30 PM.

    • 12:30 PM: Rizal eats a meal of poached egg and a little chicken. Afterwards, he asks to write and spends a long period writing by himself.

    • 3:00 PM: Father March enters the chapel. Rizal hands him the document he had written. The Chief of the Firing Squad, Señor del Fresno, and the Assistant of the Plaza, Señor Maure, are informed. They enter death row and, together with Rizal, sign the document written by the accused.

  • December 30, 1896 (Morning of Execution):

    • 5:00 AM: Rizal's lover arrives at the prison dressed in mourning, accompanied by an unidentified military chaplain.

    • Only the lover enters the chapel. Rizal dons his formal clothes with the assistance of an artillery soldier.

    • The nuptials between Rizal and his lover are performed in articulo mortis (at the point of death).

    • After embracing Rizal, she departs weeping.

Historical Analysis and Impact

  • Evidentiary Significance:

    • Federico Moreno's report corroborates the physical existence and signing of a retraction document by Rizal.

    • Notably, Fr. Vicente Balaguer is not mentioned anywhere in Moreno's account, reducing Balaguer's claim to that of a secondary source rather than an eyewitness.

  • Historical Consensus:

    • The retraction of Jose Rizal remains a subject of debate and controversy among historians.

    • Many scholars maintain that regardless of the document's authenticity, it does not diminish Rizal's status as a hero.

    • Rizal's historical legacy remained intact among the Filipino people, serving as a catalyst for the ongoing revolution that culminated in Philippine independence in 1898.