The Czech Republic hosted the 4^th European Regional Assembly of the Order of the Knights of Rizal 17 to 20 September 2009 in Prague and Litomerice, two cities characterising old Europe of centuries ago. As this was also the birthplace of Rizal’s closest lifetime friend, Ferdinand Blumentritt, the assembly theme was: Keeping Alive the Friendship of Rizal and Blumentritt in the Future. It was a novel experience for all, including those living in other European countries.

Though most of the 112 delegates (256 including wives and some children) came from Europe, some travelled from as far as New Jersey, Canada, Hawaii and the Philippines. For many it was astonishing to visit a European country almost completely intact with its past, architecturally and culturally ,some buildings dating back four centuries and remnants of city walls over a thousand years old. Many of the country’s cultural treasures are impeccably maintained and rigorously preserved in several city and national museums.

Opening ceremonies were held in the historic hall of the Clam-Gallas Palace in the old part of the city. Former Czech Ambassador to the Philippines, Sir Jaroslav Ludva, KGOR and the Mayor of Litomerice, Sir Ladislava Chlupac, KCR welcomed the delegates. Sir J. Lapuz, KGOR detailed the relationship of Rizal and Blumentritt as evidenced in their correspondence. Magistra Helena Stejskalova, Director of the Ceske Budejovice Museum described the holdings of the museum including the new findings this year: five paintings of Juan Luna and four boxes containing unpublished manuscripts, of the revolutionary period.

In his opening remarks, Sir Tony Guansing, KGOR, Regional Commander for Europe said: “This is an historic occasion, because Prague is the birthplace of Prof Ferdinand Blumentritt, close friend of our National Hero Dr. José Rizal. And the museums of Litomerice and Ceske Budejovice hold most of the communication between Rizal and Blumentritt, and the news of events in the Philippines just prior to the actual revolution. . . . Some may recall Rizal’s last letter to his friend Ferdinand Blumentritt, as he was in his cell in Fort Santiago awaiting execution early the following morning, he wrote:

My dear Brother,

When you receive this letter, I shall be dead.
Tomorrow at seven, I shall be shot,
but I am innocent of the crime of rebellion.
I am going to die with a tranquil conscience.
Adieu, my best, my dearest friend, and never think ill of me!
Fort Santiago, 29 December 1896

José Rizal

Regards to the whole family, to Sra. Rosa, Lolena, Conradito, and Federico.

I leave a book for you as my remembrance.”
 

What then was this last book Rizal gave to Blumentritt? It could be the Imitation a Cristo as he was reading this prayer book in his cell while waiting execution. And it could be in this newly found collection.
 
The second assembly day took all the delegates to Litomerice, a 45 minuted bus ride (70 kilometres). This is the home of Blumentritt, a relatively small city on the River with the large cathedral of Saint Stepanek (formerly a Jesuit church) dominating the horizon. Ferdinand Blumentritt’s monument is on the main street facing the school where he taught. A head of Jose Rizal in a special park is turned towards the hilltop where the Cathedral of Saint Stepanek stands majestic. Another is in the terrace of the restaurant Salva Guarda (black eagle) which was formerly the town hall.

Little shops and kavarna (restaurants) impose their facades on the cobbled streets. The old theatre and museums vie for interest of the tourist. A traditional Czech lunch of duck broth and dumplings followed by canard confit with sauerkraut was offered by the Mayor at the Garda Salva (black eagle) restaurant, formerly the town hall. Black and white paintings decorate the walls bordered by trempe l’oeil polygons.


The delegates were then invited to the city’s old theatre where Litomerice Mayor and Chapter Commander, Sir Ladislava Chlupac, KCR and the Bishop of the Bohemian Province of the Czech Republic welcomed the delegates. This was followed by a musical treat of chorale singers, singing traditional Czech songs and ending with Gershwin. Lady Ching Vianzon of Kababaihan Rizalista, Florida, sang a medley of Filipina songs.

The Bishop then walked with us to the Cathedral of Saint Stepanek, where he personally guided us through the rich paintings and sculpture. He then treated us to several organ pieces he himself played on the magnificent large pipe organ.

That evening our hosts treated us to an evening boatride on the River Labe with flowing wine and ales, and buffet dinner of Czech delicacies. Serving us were pretty sailor girls in uniform. The evening provided fun and relaxation, a truly beneficial way to get to know one another. Even Mayor Chlupac sang a few songs!

Gathering in the Congress II hall of Top Hotel, the delegates attended the introductory session with a presentation by Mrs Amalia Rosales, President of Association of History Teachers of the Philippines and Dean of the Graduate School of the Polytechnic University of Manila. Atty Ramoncita Reyes, grand niece of José Rizal spoke of her personal involvement in learning the lessons of Rizal.

Sir Reghis Romero, KGOR, Supreme Chancellor, representing the Supreme Commander, delivered the Supreme Commander’s message and presented a comprehensive view of the meaning of Rizal today in modern society. Linking the past to the present, Sir Reghis called upon the four students, winners of the Euro Quiz and Rizal Essay writing contest: Aaron Jalonjon, Marlon John Donlay, Lelly Maria Conlon, all of UP Mindanao and Joaquin Carlos de Jesus, Ateneo de Jesus. Joaquin’s essay was actually on the personal friendship of Rizal with Blumentritt and how this opened the marvels of Europe to him. The essay can be found in full in Munting Nayon under a previous article.

Sir Tony Guansing, KGOR Regional Commander for Europe, assisted by Sir Lino Paras, KGOR, Former Regional Commander
Europe and currently Over-All Adviser Coordinator to Regional Commander, Europe, received the Area reports of Europe(Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, England and Ireland, France, Germany, Spain). An interesting report on video was presented by Sir Choy Arnaldo, KCR, Deputy Area Commander for France, starting with a filmed tribute to the late Sir Alex Mushake, KGOR, former Area Commander and previous European Regional Coordinator/ Advisor. Sir Alex had always been known as a gentle, kind and brotherly person. His example is a stunning lesson even today.

The Assembly then proceded to the ceremonies. Nine new knights were inducted for the Prague and Litomerice chapters. Elevated to the rank of Knight Commander of Rizal were: HE Ambassador Joseph Rychear (newly appointed Czech Ambassador to the Philippines) and Sir Antonio Repotente from Hamburg. Four were exalted to the rank of Knight Grand Officer of Rizal: Sir François Ooms, Deputy Commander of Fili Chapter in Belgium; Sir Angel Palomar, Area Commander of Austria; Sir Francis Sison, Chapter Commander from New Jersey; Sir Eduardo Trillo, Regional Exchequer of Canada. The formalities closed with the pledge of Rizal and the Non Omnis Moriar.

A most beautiful conclusion was Sunday Mass the following morning at the Church of the Santo Nino de Praga. Here, the infant Jesus is actually rather tiny, a little more than a foot high and dressed in rich green robes. Golden statues surround the infant known in the city for his many miracles. The mass intentions included the quick recovery of Sir Virgilio Esguerra, KGCR Supreme Commander and Sir Roger Quiambao, KGCR Council of Elders; and for the late Sir Alex Mushake, Overall European Regional Coordinator/Advisor. Sir Fr Apollo de Guzman, KR of the Brussels Chapter celebrated the Mass, with Sir George Poblete, KGCR serving and distributing communion.

After mass, the Czech Prior of the Abbey gave us his special blessing, saying “Do not leave your blessing here. Take it home with you and share it with all your family and friends, and all you meet!”

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