On Rizal's Execution

[A Commentary]

The execution of a great and humble Man on December 30, 1896, when all believers of the christian faith were celebrating the birth of their savior on christmas day was an act of hypocrisy and arrogant display of barbarity for those who masterminded his execution. History will never be accurate unless we of this generation have a second look on why those who were supposed to be considered as keepers of the faith and profess to be followers of the great teacher of christianity preferred to order an execution instead of sowing LOVE on such a solemn holiday!

Even historians of our time never endeavored to touch on this ticklish issue for fear that they will not be saved when they travel to the other side or better still afraid of - ETERNAL DAMNATION!

We masons can only relish with joy and pride that finally our Brother Rizal in the habilaments of a mason was placed on the front page of a broad sheet newspaper and for that honor alone, we can pause a while and examine the ideals and principles he fought and died for.Let me then quote a few lines from Bro. Rafael Palma's Book - THE PRIDE OF THE MALAY RACE - with a sincere purpose to remind us of how good and great this brother of ours!

"Glory to Rizal! In him are typified the best qualities of our race. He elevated the concept of our country before the world because all his life he demonstrated a sincere desire to work for the good of others; he had no ambition for glory or fame, nor did he expect rewards and recompense from anybody. From that same spiritual relationship between him and ourselves, we have the right to believe that in each of us there is a possible RIZAL and that what he has done is within our reach and within our power if we exert the same effort, the same means of action, and the same devotion to duty that he displayed in the most heroic acts of life."

"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori."

(Sweet and seemly it is to die for one's country.)

-Bro. Joselito P. Tamaray
Kalilayan Lodge No. 37
Lucena City

About Phil. Masonic History

“Originally attached to the Grand Lodge of Spain - the Philippine archipelago is a former colony of Spain - the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of The Philippines became autonomous on 19 December 1912.”

I thank the WB for his research however, allow me to adjust his article and hopefully fill in some void between. The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines (GLP) was never been “attached to the Grand Lodge of Spain.” In order to make a balance presentation, the following materials were taken from history pages of two Lodges under the GLP, an equal number from Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) and a Lodge under Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas (GLNF). Furthermore, a short quote from official statements from both Grand Lodges.

About Philippines Masonic History.

Masonry in our Hearts

Sustaining progress from a fresh start by putting Masonry in the heart

Bro NICOLAS G. RICAFRENTE, Grand Master

INAUGURAL ADDRESS

Installation of Grand Officers

01 December, 2007

2nd Annual Grand Assembly

The MW Independent Grand Lodge, F. &. A.M. of the Philippine Islands

Cavite Lodge No. 2, Cavite City

Memorable episodes in history are not always played by famous, powerful men but by ordinary men. The great gothic cathedrals of Europe, still standing magnificent today were built by artisans who remain faceless except for the fact that they were known as Masons from whom, it is said our Fraternity derived its origins. Great revolutions were fought and won not really by generals but by men who were willing to sacrifice their lives for love of country, and the principles they decided to embrace.

Because of your unswerving faith and belief in the true essence of liberty, equality and fraternity, your Grand Lodge is a democratic institution. We have a constitution that enshrines your rights. You have ratified the essential codes – the Administrative, Judicial, Election and Appointments Codes, together with the Uniform Code of By-laws for Member Lodges that will guide us and the future generations of Masons in the government of the Craft in this jurisdiction. In all these, you had exercised your right to be heard and be a part in the formulation of these instruments. And by your exercise of suffrage, you have now formed a new set of officers. Brethren, from these foundations we shall build.

Year 2006 was a year of change. 2007 was a year for a fresh start. Let 2008 therefore, be a year for sustaining progress from a fresh start by putting Masonry in the heart - a year of building strength; a year of building bridges to society; a year of building knowledge and values; a year of building stronger ties among the families of Masons.

As members of our lodges and the Grand Lodge therefore, no other mission can ever be greater than to make the mission of the Craft our mission - to internalize all its teachings, and devote our time and effort toward the fulfillment of our duties as Masons. Our vision is a Grand Lodge that is democratic and concerned primarily in uniting lodges and their members in the “grand design of promoting happiness.”

After a year of labor, our Grand Lodge has succeeded and proven its capability to organize and to provide the essential instruments of governance. As we were doing these, we have seen how very basic reforms in the organization which, we immediately undertook can inspire our members and encourage new initiates to our Fraternity. We saw the unselfish devotion and dedication of our officers and members, sharing their limited resources and time, but contributing invaluable talents for the cause and ideals we had vowed to embrace.

With these therefore, there is no doubt that by sustaining these gains, united, we shall achieve greater heights and travel forward, conquering every conceivable obstacles along the way.

In our Masonic banner, let us emblazon our commitment of sustaining progress from a fresh start by putting Masonry in our hearts.


For complete text see: Masonry in our Hearts.