New on TikTok: CONGREGATIO PRO DOCTRINA FIDEI Prot. N. 1896/2025 (Philippinae) DECREE ON THE ENDURING LEGACY OF DR. JOSÉ RIZAL
AND THE CALL TO FILIPINO NATIONAL PRIDE AND UNITY By the grace of God and the Apostolic See, We, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, in communion with the Holy Father and the universal Church, mindful of the heroic virtues and intellectual contributions of historical figures who have inspired peoples toward justice, dignity, and unity, issue this decree to honor the life and martyrdom of Dr. José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda (1861–1896), the foremost symbol of Filipino patriotism and national awakening. I. The Life of Dr. José Rizal Born on 19 June 1861 in Calamba, Laguna, to a prosperous family, José Rizal was a prodigy who excelled in arts, sciences, and letters. Educated in Manila and Europe, he mastered over 20 languages, earned degrees in medicine and philosophy, and became an ophthalmologist. A polymath, he wrote poetry, essays, and novels that illuminated the human spirit. Through peaceful advocacy, he founded La Liga Filipina to promote education, civic reforms, and unity among Filipinos. II. His Works and Martyrdom Rizal’s masterpieces, Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo, exposed social injustices and awakened national consciousness, inspiring generations to seek dignity and equality. Exiled for his ideas, he continued serving the poor as a doctor. Arrested amid revolutionary unrest, he faced trial with courage and was executed by firing squad on 30 December 1896 at Bagumbayan Field (now Rizal Park), Manila. In his final moments, he demonstrated serene faith and love for his homeland, twisting to fall facing the sky in a gesture of defiance and hope. His death transformed him into a martyr, fueling the Philippine Revolution and the quest for independence. III. Importance to Filipino Nationalism Rizal embodies the highest ideals of patriotism: love of country through education, reform, and sacrifice. His vision of a united, enlightened Philippines—rooted in justice, freedom, and moral courage—continues to inspire confidence and pride in Filipino identity. He taught that true greatness lies in intellectual pursuit, compassion, and standing for truth, reminding every Filipino of their potential to build a stronger nation. IV. Exhortation Let the Filipino people draw inspiration from Rizal’s example: pursue excellence, foster unity, and defend dignity with peaceful resolve. May his legacy strengthen national pride and guide the youth toward a future of hope and solidarity. We invoke the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and the intercession of Filipino saints upon the nation. Given at Rome, from the offices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, on the memorial of Dr. José Rizal, 30 December 2025. • Luis Francisco Card. Ladaria Ferrer
Prefect • Giacomo Morandi
Archbishop Secretary [Official Seal of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith] Viral Hook for Overlay/Screenshot 🇵🇭💥 DID YOU KNOW? José Rizal mastered 22 languages, wrote revolutionary novels, and died a martyr to ignite Filipino freedom—his courage still fuels our national pride today! Rise up with confidence, Pinoy! 🔥🦅 #ProudToBeFilipino 😤✊ TikTok Description (Informative & Fits Character Limit) Dr. José Rizal (1861-1896): Philippines’ national hero & genius polymath! Born in Calamba, excelled in medicine, arts & languages (spoke 22!). His novels Noli Me Tángere & El Filibusterismo exposed injustices, awakening Filipino nationalism & inspiring the revolution. Exiled, then martyred by firing squad at 35—his death united us for independence! Rizal teaches: Education + courage = true freedom. Be proud, be inspired! 🇵🇭🦅 Legacy lives on—stronger together! 💪 Five Viral Existing Hashtags #JoseRizal
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