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RIZAL DEMYSTIFIED
Our history had revealed itself; from the numerous artifacts, our own culture and civilization, and so as our heroes that brought change and independence some years ago. One of which is the life of our national hero, Jose Rizal. We have known Rizal for his works and contributions for our country to gain independence from the Spaniards but did we really ever know what was he doing behind history?
RIZAL THE ATENEAN
In the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, Rizal’s course was a Spanish colonial government prescribed five-year program called segunda enseñanza. It is roughly equivalent to the present high school program with one or two years of college.
CANONICAL CORONATION
When a religious image is canonically crowned, the Vatican gives its high recognition. On the recommendation of commissioned congregations in the Vatican, the Pope issues an Apostolic letter of a Papal Bull expressing its recognition before the symbolic coronation.
JESUIT EDUCATION AND RIZAL'S HEROISM
Seeing the protruding belfry of the San Ignacio and the sun-bathed upper rooms of the Ateneo Municipal on the way to his execution at Bagumbayan, Jose Rizal quipped to his handlers and accompanying Jesuits, “Yan and Ateneo, kung saan nagsimula ang magagandang ala-ala.”
HEROIC LEADERSHIP
In history, many who led radical and effecting changes happened to be Jesuit-educated. Jose Rizal joins the ranks of Voltaire, Josef Stalin, Karl Marx, Fidel Castro, Bill Clinton. In the local scene, Rizal is joined by Gregorio del Pilar, Juan Luna, Ninoy Aquino and many other catalysts of change. As in the kung fu master in classic Karate Kid, what training formula do their mentors have?
IGNATIUS AND THE HERO FACTORY
They are “heroes” in one form or another: Jesuit martyrs and saints and Jesuit-educated hero alumni. Like St. Ignatius, they are driven “to love and serve, in all things.” To understand the Jesuit educational system (IPP) and Ignatius’ manual on meditations and prayers (Spiritual Exercises), one has to have a running knowledge of the life of St. Ignatius.
THE DIVINE RIZAL
For some Filipinos, Rizal’s very act of martyrdom in the fields of Bagumbayan on the morning of 30 December 1896 is the same act that Christ Jesus had himself crucified on the Cross. With his martyrdom coupled with seemingly superhuman talents and genius, Rizal must be worshipped.
BICOL EXPRESS
“Stop, look, and listen.” This phrase or saying used in some nursery rhymes can be the most familiar line we can think of when referring to iconic vehicle almost alien to the younger generation.
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