The Retraction…

I declare myself a catholic and in this Religion in which I was born and 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

Interviewer: “Did you really retract all what you’ve said and written against the Catholic Church before you die?”

Jose Rizal: “Me a Catholic? hahaha. These friars have some sense of humor! I’m not on drugs, so why would I do that? And granting that it’s true, then why was I still executed?”