Grand Master's message

Title

Language

English

Year

1964

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

LET US ENLARGE THE IMAGE OF FREEMASONRY Heretofore we have been confining our activities within the four walls of our temples, performing our rituals in strict adherence to the requirements of our Ancient Craft. People outside do not understand why we hold our rituals in secrecy, and our critics, especially, take advantage of this secrecy to say that Freemasonry is an institution that recognizes no Supreme Being, does not believe in religion and, worst of all, that its members are atheists and are aligned with communism. There are no greater falsehood than these accusations. These accusations are belied by the fact that no one can be admitted in our Fraternity unless he has a religion of his own and believes in God, and that before doing any important undertaking we first invoke the blessings o4 the Great Architect of the Universe, so that with His divine guidance we may be able to pursue in life what is right and avoid treading on the wrong path. In the face of all these misconceptions and misunderstandings, what should we do to correct them? The real and correct answer is, "Let us enlarge the image of Freemasonry." How can we do this? Outstanding and foremost of all is that we should show by deeds and examples in our respective communities that we are law abiding citizens; that we are conscious of our duties and responsibilities as free men in a free country; that we do not transgress the laws of morality; that we are all loving fathers and faithful husbands; and that we abhor all crimes. United in a common aim and cemented by the ties of universal brotherhood, our Fraternity lives and thrives for the benefit of mankind in general. It diffuses light where light is needed; it fights violations of civil rights and liberties; it stands for equality, for freedom' and for the brotherhood of men regardless of religion, race, creed or color. A perusal of world history and that of our country will show that Masons have always been at the vanguard in the struggle for freedom and liberty. Great men of the world from George Washington, the first President of the United States of America, and down along the lines, were all Masons. Here in the Philippines, this is equally true. During the days when the country was shrouded in darkness because of the tyranny and despotism of a corrupt alien administration, Dr. Jose Rizal and a group of bright young Filipinos then residing in Europe, among them Marcelo H. del Pilar, the Lunas, Lopez Jaena, Mariano Ponce and others, all Masons, Bound themselves toTurn to page 263 February 1964 259

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