Is Rizal anti-Catholic?

Learning about Dr. Jose Rizal, “Philippine National Hero” and his writings, I got to know the social situation when Rizal was alive and understand more why he was really against the Spanish colonial authority and clerical domination in his own country. At the same time it helped me understand how the Filipinos had to suffer under the Spanish rule for 350 years.

Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 in the town of Calamba in Laguna. He was born and raised in a wealthy catholic family. He was educated since he was a small child. At an early age of 3, he was taught by his mother how to write, to read and to pray the rosary. When he was 16 years old, he finished Bachelor of Art degree in Ateneo Municipal De Manila with special award as outstanding student. After studying in Ateneo, he started to study Medicine and Philosophy in the University of Santo Tomas. While studying in UST, he saw how the Filipino students were looked down and discriminated by the Dominican professors. He did not finish his medical studies in UST but continued and finished it in Spain.

Growing up and living with his own people in his own county, Rizal witnessed how the Filipino people were oppressed in many ways by the Spanish authorities and the friars on their own soil. The people suffered double death. First of all, the people suffered under the colonial power. All the natural resources of their own country were taken away from them. They worked on their own soil by their own hands, but their labor belonged to the foreign authorities. They became slaves in their own country. They were even killed if they did not follow the rules of the Spanish authorities. Secondly, the people were treated badly by the friars. Some friars used the name of God to oppress the people. They required the people to become Catholics. After becoming Catholics, they were forced to follow the way of the Catholic Church according to what the friars told them to do. They had to give a big amount of money for each mass to the priests. They were even asked to donate their own land for the church. Many of them had to leave their home and worked for the church without salary. Especially, many of the women were victims of rape and other abuses done by the friars. Their culture was mixed with the Spanish culture. Their ways of practicing their native religion were slowly put aside in lieu of Catholic ways brought by the friars.

Through Rizal’s writings “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” that cost his life, we can understand more why the people had to suffer under the Spaniards and the clergies at the same time. Through these two novels, Rizal was able to show how close the church and the state were during that time in the Philippines. The Spanish authorities would not have been successful without the church. And the church could have not converted the people without the interference of the State. It was because of the union of the church and state in Spain. It was strengthened by the efforts of the early kings of Spain to spread and defend the Catholic faith. When the people believe in the Catholic faith, then it would be easy for Spain to control the Philippines. During this time, many of the Spanish authorities were officials and defenders of the faith at the same time. The friars were not only priests, but also the agents of the Spanish king. The governor general was consulted when assigning priests to parishes. At the same time, the priests had roles in the government; especially the Dominicans and Franciscan friars were very active and had very important political power in controlling the state. For example in Noli Me Tangere, Franciscan priest Domaso and Dominican Father Sibyla were very active and had an influence on politics. The officials and the clergies did not work for the benefits of the Filipino people, but they tried their best to get all the common good for their own pockets. They were living in abundance, from the fees for masses of thanksgiving. The people had to pray, kneel and kiss the hands of the priests a lot. They even had to put their own money for the churches to buy gold and silver altars.

Rizal was really against the abuses and bad practices of the priests and religious leaders during his time but he was not an anti-catholic. We can see it clearly in the letter that Rizal wrote to the young women of Malolos: “The Will of God is different from the will of the priests. Christ did not give a kiss of peace to the Pharisees and never gave His hands to be kissed, He did not ask payment for His prayer nor teach for gain” God can not be blinded with money. But the friars, the followers of Christ were starving for money. They sold scapular, rosaries, belts, and other things for money. What would happen to the earth if all the rags on earth were made into scapular, the trees in the forest into rosaries, chairs, door of the church, and the skin of all the beasts into belts? By pointing these things out, Rizal wanted the people to see what the friars were doing. It was not the Will of God that people had to suffer and the friars enjoyed life. Rizal wanted the people to be educated, so that they could teach and raise their next generation well. If people were educated, they would not be oppressed by the Spanish officials and friars. They would bring up their children in the image of the True God, the God who is the Father of us all. They could stand on their own feet and against their enemies. For Rizal: “Revolution is education”. Education should begin from each family to school and society.

Through writing Rizal had showed to the whole world how the colonials and the clergies doing in his country. He had brought the whole world to see his small country.

Resources:

Noli Me Tangere (commonly referred to by its shortened name Noli) is a novel written in Spanish by Filipino writer and national hero José Rizal, first published in 1887 in Berlin, Germany. The English translation was originally titled The Social Cancer, although more recent translations have been published using the original Latin title.

Rizal began writing El Filibusterismo in October 1887 while he was in Calamba. In London (1888), he revised the plot and some chapters. Rizal continued to work on his manuscript in Paris. He later moved to Brussels where the cost of living was cheaper and he would be less likely to be distracted by social events so he could focus on finishing the book. He finally completed the book on March 29, 1891 in Biarritz. It was published in September of that year in Ghent, Belgium, partially funded by Rizal's friend Valentin Ventura

The letter to the young women of Malolos was written in Europe (Feb., 1889)

My Experience with Street Children

As you know in our last Newsletter, Kamran wrote about Kuya Center – what we do and who are the children there. In this issue I thought of giving a brief account about Kuya Center and the children. Kuya Center is for the children on the streets who are addicted to drugs or were abused by adults. Its mission is to help and accompany these children back to their own home, or to take them back to the center and give them an education. Kuya Center is doing its mission around Metro Manila. Marikina City is one of its branches. In Marikina City we can find street children close to the malls or train stations or public markets. As they say “ants go where the sugar is”. These children also go where the crowd is. There is one place that I did not mention where they come together and feel at home, that is under the bridge at Santolan, opposite SM Marikina.

Every Saturday Kamran and I leave MAPAC at 11:30 a.m. to go to our apostolic formative activity (in short we call it AFA). We usually travel by jeepney to River Banks in Barangka, Marikina and from there we walk along the riverside and eventually reach Santolan, under the bridge. Recently this place was being renovated by the Marikina City Council, as they have planned to build a bus station for Marikina City. I think, that is enough information about the place. The children are from different age groups, from babies to adults. They have their own clique, usually the same age group of boys or girls, they get on well together.

Usually, we write what we do with these children, or one of our experiences with them, but I would like to write what I have learned from them. I have been there for two whole semesters, and I would say that they are a great model for community life. If I trace back our history of Christianity, the early Christian community “lived together and all things were in common, nobody owned anything, all were treated equally as others.” I could quote the whole page about the early Christian community. Then I may not be able to tell you something about this small street community in Marikina. I do not know what religion they belong to. Do they attend daily Mass or even Sunday Mass? Do they have prayer everyday? Do they have classes to attend on week days? Do they have accompaniment or spiritual direction? I do not think that they do any of these things. But they have most of the values or qualities of a community life.

There are around 25 boys and 15 girls in this place. Girls have their own place for clothes. They put all their clothes together. Nobody owns anything. Whenever anybody needs any clothes, they can take them. Similarly the boys follow what the girls do with their clothing. If some one is sick or not well, they buy food or medicine for him and try to make him feel comfortable. Usually when they return after visiting malls, stations or markets, they get some money through their work, like begging, or selling recycling material that they have collected from the street. They buy food or drink or cigarettes or “rugby” (it is glue used for pasting together PVC pipes). When they come home under the bridge all the children even the big or small ones, gather together and it is time for sharing. They share what they have. There is no fighting (like you eat more I get less). I really felt touched by their way of life and they have taught me what it means to share and to care for my brothers who are living with me. How can I share without expecting anything from others? It really needs a lot of generosity to do it, but these children do it so easily. I am also developing what I have learned from them. I try to put this into practice in my daily life experience. Let me share one of my experiences. One Saturday, as usual, I went to their place. I was amazed to see them fighting. I thought, this is not normal, what is happening to them. Then I asked the social worker why they were fighting, what was the reason. Then he told me, it is not a fight; it is just to make them strong in time of persecution. Sometimes they get caught and are beaten by the police or they have to run away from the police. They do not have a gym or playground to play in to strengthen them. After the fight I saw two of them sitting in one place and talking to each other very happily. They were not upset or angry with each other. I thought it is true; they really put themselves in a difficult situation for their survival. If they are not fit they could not bear the pain that they have to go through. It is really a matter of survival. Since we get all the necessary living things, we may not be aware of the pain that we have to put into it. I really have learned how much effort I have to put into my daily activities. Sometimes we do it for the sake of doing it; I have learned to put my full effort into the things that I do. Even though it is painful and I do not want to escape from it. Even though it is difficult let us try for something to happen…………….

“It is my deepest beliefs that only by giving our lives do we find life. I am convinced that an act of courage is to sacrifice ourselves for others.” (Carlos Chavas)

Let us pray for God’s blessing on the street children, for their security, their safety, their good health and for a bright future. Thank you. – By Br. Robinston

To know more about Kuya Center plese watch the video Thanks

Good Bye My Dear

This story is written by a Sis. Tam Nguyen ACI

Ngoc was the eldest girl in a poor family in a  highland with seven brothers and sisters. Who were born one year after each other. At a very early age, she had to look after her younger siblings and was in charge of other housework. In the class she was a tiny and shy girl but at home she was in charge of and responsible for her brothers and sister. Going to school was the only time that she could be out of her house. She had no close friend except Vy.

Vy was the fourth child in a family of six children. She also had a lot of responsibility. After the class, she had to cut the grass for the cows and water the vegetables in the garden. She did not have much time to play with other children.

They were classmates since elementary, their situation drew them close to each other, and the two little girls became good friends. Their houses were near each other, and everyday, they went to school and came back together. The school was a bit far from the village, it took them 30 minutes of walking.

“Do you know that they are building a factory on top of the hill?” Vy called Ngoc on the phone with a sad voice:

“How come?” Vy could not believe what she had heard

Before reaching the school, there was a beautiful hill. It was the memorable place of their childhood, where they shared their joys and sorrows. They used to hide from their parents going up the hill and playing there for a half an hour everyday after school. There were many fruit trees like star-apple, mango, belt-fruit, and guava. They enjoyed climbing trees and picking the fruits. One side of the hill was covered with a thick layer of smooth grass. Rolling from the top to the foot of the hill was their favorite game. While rolling, they let their fantasy go. Ngoc felt free like a bird flying in the sky. She sensed the wind beneath her wings, or she imagined herself like a great skater gliding on ice with confidence and delight. Vy felt the same way, too, as her face turned happily after the game. Their laughter echoed back with crispy, joyful sound.

“What do you what to be in the future?” Suddenly, Ngoc turned seriously, and asked:

Looking far away with radiant eyes Vy replied: “I want to be a teacher.” “How about you?

“I will take architecture, and run for mayor of our town”

“Really you have a great dream. Why do you want to be a mayor?”

“I will make this hill a beautiful park for the children”

Ngoc gazed at the hill with great delight as she imagined the hill filled with children’s laughter.

Her desire was growing stronger as they grew up. Even though they moved to another school during their high school, they often visited the hill and recalled their happy childhood there.

On the phone, Vy continued,

“Yes, they have already cut down all the trees and built the foundations”

“Really, I want to see it for the last time before they totally destroy it” Ngoc answered

They sat there on top of the hill, leaned on each other while they were crying and sharing their trouble. The hill remained calm and quiet while listening to their stories. It seemed it understood their feelings. A gentle breeze passed by, touched their cheeks, and carried away their tears and sorrow. Day by day the hill became so close and dear to them

Standing silently at the foot of the hill, they felt sorry and helpless. There were neither trees nor grass. Ngoc’s dream became impossible. “Truly, the hill is dying as a part of her life is also dying”. She whispered to the hill, “Good bye my dear”, and she held her friend’s hand. They look at each other and realized that tears were rolling down to their cheeks…………………..

Principles for a bright future

TAKE TIME TO READ THIS, YOU WILL FEEL GOOD AND RETHINK.

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2.  Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3.  Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4.  Live with the 3 E's - Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5.  Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer.
6.  Play more games.
7.  Read more books than you did in 2008.
8.  Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9.  Sleep for 7 hours.

10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take you so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.
Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like Algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32.    Do the right thing!
33.    Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34.    GOD heals everything.
35.    However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37.    The best is yet to come.
38.    When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39.    Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Slumdog Millionaire Widget

Strenth and Courage

It takes strength to be firm.
It takes courage to be gentle.

It takes strength to stand guard.
It takes courage to let down your guard.

It takes strength to conquer.
It takes courage to surrender.

It takes strength to be certain.
It takes courage to have doubt.

It takes strength to fit in.
It takes courage to stand out.

It takes strength to feel a friend’s pain.
It takes courage to feel your own pain.

It takes strength to hide your own pains.
It takes courage to show them.


It takes strength to endure abuse.
It takes courage to stop it.

It takes strength to stand alone.
It takes courage to lean on another.

It takes strength to love.
It takes courage to be loved.

It takes strength to survive.
It takes courage to live.

Shades of love

“Love in the heart was not meant there to stay. Love is not love till you give it away”. For love to be ever lasting and eternal every one should be aware of the different stages of love and know its significance. Following are the different phases through which you will travel in your love life and only those who pass it will have an endless love.

ATTRACTION

Attraction can be defined as something, which is more than friendship and is a step towards getting ready for a relationship. Now attraction is of two types:
dil.gifa. Physical Attraction - happens when your body reacts to another person. Heart rate increases; temperature rises, palms get sweaty; stomach flutters; throat tightens; etc. This is what will tell you that you are ready for the first contact and also whether you are comfortable in the company of the other person.
dil.gifb. Emotional Attraction - develops next if the circumstances are right. After being drawn to a person physically, you then begin to come closer. If you find you have things in common — hobbies, ideologies, career, education, or some other common ground — then an emotional attraction starts to form. Sometimes an emotional attraction can occur even when a physical attraction does not. And in this case, the bond will be stronger between the two who connect, since no preconceived notions based on physical appearance has occurred.

INTIMACY

Intimacy is something, which a person experiences when you learn to trust and believe your lover. It is a close association with another person of the deepest nature. You share you thoughts, feelings, and dreams. You feel free to discuss everything with this person and you are absolutely comfortable in his company. Thus intimacy develops gradually. If you can’t establish intimacy with your partner, your relationship may work for a while, but is unlikely to endure throughout the years. Intimacy is actually the path to a true, healthy and beautiful relationship.

ROMANCE

Romance is the essence of a relationship. Without romance your love life will not exist. Romance is the true identity of your love. It brings out your true self and helps you be a better lover, husband and partner. Romance is a celebration of the life you live as part of a couple. It springs naturally and originates from within your heart. It makes you do things that you possibly couldn’t have imagined to do otherwise. It shows you who you are and reminds you of the role you play in a relationship. Romance is not responsibility but it is caring about your responsibilities towards your lover and partner. Romance is the appreciation of two people who are celebrating the lucky coincidence that they found each other.

PASSION

The third stage is passion, which basically means a desire for another person, which has grown to an intensity that can’t be ignored. This is often where an emotional relationship turns into a physical relationship. The passion stage is very important. For from here you will understand the true meaning and nature of your relationship. If there is no passion then its best to let go but if there is passion in your relationship then it is time to go on to the next stage.

COMMITMENT

The last stage is commitment. This is when you know that you want to spend your whole life with this person you love and you can do anything for him. It is when your whole world just revolves round your lover and you take a pledge to remain true to your mate throughout good and bad times, be by his side whenever he needs you.