Jose Rizal's First Novel: "Noli Me Tangere"

Noli Me Tangere (Latin , "Touch Me Not") is a novel written by Dr. Jose Rizal during the colonization of the country by Spain to expose the abuses of the friars and the government on which they wield a heavy influence. One hundred and twenty seven years later, it can be noted that this problem about the supposed separation of Church and State is still one pf the most pressing issues in our country today.

Originally written in Spanish, the novel's title refers to John 20:17 in the New Testament of the Bible. When Mary Magdalene tried to touch the newly-risen Jesus, He said "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father."

Noli Me Tangere, along with its sequel El Filibusterismo, is now a required reading material for high school students throughout the archipelago. One of the most popular translations was made by Domingo D. De Guzman, Francisco Laksamana and Maria Odulio De Guzman. The front cover of this version is shown above.