Masonry in Filipino

January 25, 2008

Center for Masonry in Filipino Established

Grand Master Nicolas G. Ricafrente, attending the January 2008 District Council meeting in Mendez, Cavite announced the designation of Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9 as the Center for Masonic Studies in Filipino, the national language. Aside from compiling and translating foreign language Masonic literature, the Lodge was also tasked to review existing rituals already written in the national language and to start translating other rituals and ceremonies. Once translated, each ritual shall be exemplified by Pintong Bato Lodge for approval of the Committee on Works and the brethren.

Pintong Bato has been known for its efforts to promote the use of Filipino in Masonic rituals. It has rendered funeral services and installed its officers in Filipino. It also has a translated version of the ceremonies for a Lodge of Remembrance. With the special function designated for the Lodge, it is expected that Filipino rituals will soon get official recognition in the Grand Lodge as an alternative to the existing ceremonies in English. It is also expected that Masonic literature would be enriched with the addition of Filipino essays and lectures in the national language.

Translation of Spanish language Masonic historical records still existing in the archives of some century old Lodges of the IGLPI will be the next task of the Center. Filipino Masonry has its roots from the Spanish Grand Orients. Heroes like Rizal, del Pilar, Bonifacio, Mabini, Aguinaldo and other patriots were all members of these Orients.