Why Is Rizal Our National Hero
Chapter I
Introduction
I. Background of the study We owe it to ourselves as Filipinos to revisit the writings of Dr. Rizal and try to gain an understanding of his ideals and hope for the Philippines. Dr. Rizal is a great gift of God to us, if we are to see it in a Christian perspective. But Dr. Rizal may be like a precious gift left unopened in the closet of our lackadaisical minds.
Participating in the events being held this year is a good way to open our hearts and minds to the dreams of Rizal for a progressive and enlightened Filipino nation. Reading and understanding his works will be another way for us to reach the goal of a truly free and independent Philippines.
In June 1892 Rizal left two sealed letters with a Portuguese friend “to be opened and published after my death.” In these letters Rizal explained to his family and his countrymen that he was returning to the Philippines to show by example that Filipinos knew how to die for principles.
This is the letter he wanted us to read, a letter that will illustrate to anti-Rizal advocates why Rizal is our national hero: “The step that I have taken, or am about to take, is undoubtedly very risky, and it is unnecessary to say that I have pondered on it a great deal. I know that everyone is opposed to it but I realize also that no one knows what goes on in my heart. I cannot live knowing that many are suffering unjust persecution because of me; I cannot live seeing my brothers [hermanos] and their large families persecuted like criminals. I prefer to face death and gladly give my life to free so many innocent persons from this unjust persecution.
I know that, at present, the future of my country gravitates in part around me; that with my death, many would rejoice, and that, consequently, many are longing for my end. But what am I to do? I have duties of conscience above all else; I have moral obligations toward the families who suffer, toward my aged parents whose sights pierce my heart; I know that I
Introduction
I. Background of the study We owe it to ourselves as Filipinos to revisit the writings of Dr. Rizal and try to gain an understanding of his ideals and hope for the Philippines. Dr. Rizal is a great gift of God to us, if we are to see it in a Christian perspective. But Dr. Rizal may be like a precious gift left unopened in the closet of our lackadaisical minds.
Participating in the events being held this year is a good way to open our hearts and minds to the dreams of Rizal for a progressive and enlightened Filipino nation. Reading and understanding his works will be another way for us to reach the goal of a truly free and independent Philippines.
In June 1892 Rizal left two sealed letters with a Portuguese friend “to be opened and published after my death.” In these letters Rizal explained to his family and his countrymen that he was returning to the Philippines to show by example that Filipinos knew how to die for principles.
This is the letter he wanted us to read, a letter that will illustrate to anti-Rizal advocates why Rizal is our national hero: “The step that I have taken, or am about to take, is undoubtedly very risky, and it is unnecessary to say that I have pondered on it a great deal. I know that everyone is opposed to it but I realize also that no one knows what goes on in my heart. I cannot live knowing that many are suffering unjust persecution because of me; I cannot live seeing my brothers [hermanos] and their large families persecuted like criminals. I prefer to face death and gladly give my life to free so many innocent persons from this unjust persecution.
I know that, at present, the future of my country gravitates in part around me; that with my death, many would rejoice, and that, consequently, many are longing for my end. But what am I to do? I have duties of conscience above all else; I have moral obligations toward the families who suffer, toward my aged parents whose sights pierce my heart; I know that I