WEEK 4 - Remembering Rizal

For our second module the following Intended Learning Outcomes will be :
Evaluate Rizal ‘s heroism and importance in the content of Rizalista groups.
Discuss the history of selected Rizalista.
Compare and contrast the different views on Rizal among the Rizalistas.

Vocabulary:
Millenarian groups- socio-political movements who generally believe in the coming of a major
social transformation with the establishment of the Kingdom of God .
Rizalista - a religious movement that believes in the divinity of Jose Rizal.
Jove Rex Al- the Latin name of Jose Rizal according to Rizalistas; Jove means GOD; Rex means
KING; and Al means ALL ( thus , GOD KING of ALL)
Colorum - a term used to refer to secret societies that fought against the colonial government in
the Philippines
Canonization- the act of declaring a dead person as a saint

Introduction
Rizal execution on December 30, 1896 became an important turning point in the history of
Philippine revolution. His death activated the full-scale revolution that resulted in the declaration
of Philippine independence by 1898. Under the American colonial government, Rizal was
considered as one of the most important Filipino heroes of the revolution and was even declared
as the National Hero by the Taft Commissions of 1901. A Rizal monument was built every town
and December 30, was declared as a nation holiday to commemorate his death and heroism. In
some provinces, men-most of whom were professionals -organized and became members of
Caballeros de Rizal , now known as the Knights of Rizal.
Rizal as the Tagalog Christ
In late 1898 and early 1899, revolutionary newspapers La Independencia and El Heraldo de la
Revolucion reported about Filipinos commemorating Rizal's death in various towns in the country
. In Batangas , for example, people were said to have gathered " tearfully wailing before a portrait
of Rizal " ( Ileto 1998) while remembering how Christ went through the same struggles.

After Rizal execution, peasants in Laguna were reported to have regarded Rizal as "lord of a kind
of paradise in the heart of Mt. Makiling". In 1907, Miguel de Unamuno gave Rizal the title
"Tagalog Christ" as a religious organization venerating him had been formed in different parts of
the Philippines. Rizalistas believe that Rizal, just like Jesus Christ or reincarnation of Jesus Christ
would eventually return to life and save mankind. In history Apolinario dela Cruz ( 1815-1841)
who founded the religious confraternity Cofradia de san Jose was also considered as the " Tagalog
Christ" by his followers. More over , Filipino revolutionary Felipe Salvador ( 1870-1912) , also
known as Apo Ipe , who founded the messianic society Santa Iglesia ( Holy Church) was called
bu his followers as the " Filipino Christ and the " King of the Philippines.

Parallelism between Jesus Christ and Jose Rizal

Both Jesus (J) and Jose (J) fulfilled a purpose/ call or mission. Jesus is for the redemption of
mankind from sin while Jose is for the redemption of his people from oppression.
Both J&J were Asians, had brilliant mind, extra ordinary talents.
Both J&J were reformers, healers, non violent revolutionaries, have followers.
Both died at young age and at the hands of their enemies.
The Canonization of Rizal: Tracing the Roots of Rizalistas

The Philippine Independent Church (PIC) canonized Jose Rizal as a saint and published in the
"acta de Canonization de los Grandes Martires de la Patria Dr. Jose Rizal y P. Burgos, Gomez y
Zamora' that the Council of Bishops headed by Gregorio Aglipay met in Manila on September 24,
1903.
PIC observed that Rizal's followers is increasing after his canonization as a saint and influential in
molding the socio-religious belief of mankind.
Jose Rizal was revered as a saint or god
A colorum sect in Tayabas Quezon
Rizalina in Barrio Caluluan Conception Tarlac
Banal in many towns of Leyte (Dulag, Barauen and Limon)
Pantay-pantay Society in Legaspi city whose members are called Rizalinos.
Some 'colorum' sects also venerated Rizal as god.
Major Groups Venerating Jose Rizal

Adarnista
Founder: Candida Balantac (engkantada/Inang Adarna) in 1901
Branches: La Union, Pangasinan and Tarlac, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Baguio city
and Manila
Members: 10,000
Teachings: Rizal is a god of the Filipino people, Rizal is true god and man....
They believe in the following 1. Rizal is a god of the Filipino People 2. Rizal is true god and a true
man 3. Rizal was not executed as has been mentioned by historians. 4. Man is endowed with a
soul; as such, man is capable of good deeds 5. Heaven and hell exist but are, nevertheless, " within
us" 6. The abode of the members of the sect in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija is the New Jerusalem or
Paradise 7. The caves in Bongabon are dwelling place in Jehovah or God.
Sambahang Rizal (Rizal Church)
Founder: Basilio Aromin in 1918
Branches: Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan
Members: 7,000
Teachings: Bible (Noli and El Fili) shows the doctrine and teachings of Rizal.
The Sambahang Rizal conducts sacraments like baptism , confirmation , marriage , and ceremonies
for the dead.

Iglesia Watawat ng Lahi (Factions: Watawat ng Lahi, Iglesia ng Watawat ng Lahi, Inc. and Iglesia
ng Lipi ni Gat Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Inc.)
Founder: Philippine National Heroes (PNH) and Arsenio de Guzman in 1911
Branches: Nationwide
Members: 100,000
Teachings: Rizal was the Christ and the "Messenger of God".
The aims of the organization are as follows (Foronda , 2011) 1. To love God above all things 2. To
love one's fellowman as one loves himself 3. To love the motherland and to respect and venerate
the heroes of the race especially the martyr of Bagumbayan, Dr. Rizal , to follow , to spread, and
to support their right teachings; and to serve the country with one's whole hearth towards its order,
progress and peace.
Suprema de la Iglesia de Cuidad Mistica de Dios Inc. (Supreme Church of the Mystical City of
God)
Founder: Naria Bernarda Balitaan (MBB) in 1920s
Branches: Foot of Mt. Banahaw Sta. Lucia Dolores, Quezon (Main) and other provinces in Luzon
Island
Members: 100,000

Teachings: Jesus Christ's works was continued by Jose Rizal and the twelve lights (12 apostles) in
19th century.
The Ciudad Mistica shares many elements with the Catholic Church . They hold masses (every
Saturday), and have prayers and chants. They commemorate the birth and death anniversaries of
the twelve lights with Rizal death (December 30) as the most important celebration.