Rizal: Chapter III

RAVIZ, JERICHO
Rizal in Madrid

 Sept.15 1882, Rizal received a letter from Paciano that the Calamba folks
were having afternoon novenas and nocturnal processions, praying to
God to stop the dreadful epidemic.
 Upon Paciano’s advise, Rizal left Barcelona in the fall of 1882 and moved
himself to Madrid, the capital of Spain.
 At Madrid he enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid (Central
University of Madrid) on November 3, 1882.
 There he took two courses: Medicine and Philosophy and Letters.
 Aside from his studies, Rizal also took Painting and Sculpture at the
Academy of Fine Arts of San Carlos.
 Rizal also took private lessons in French, German and English.
Rizal in Madrid

 Rizal lived frugally, spending his money on food, lodging, clothing, and
study materials.
 Rizal’s leisure time was spent on reading, writing and practicing
fencing.
 Shortly after arriving in Madrid, He joined the Circulo Hispano-Filipino, a
society of liberal Filipino and Spaniards.
 As a member of this society Rizal wrote a poem entitled “Me Piden
Versos” (They ask me for verses).
Rizal joined Masonry

 Freemasonry or the Masons, composed of liberal and republican Spaniards

in Spain. Amongst them were prominent and intellectual Spaniards.
 Spanish Masons openly and freely criticized the government policies and
particularly lambasted the friars.
 In March 1883, Rizal joined the Masonic lodge called Acacia in Madrid. His
Masonic name was Dimasalang.
 Later he transferred to Lodge Solidaridad where he became a Master
Mason.
 Rizal’s reason for joining The Masons is to secure aid in his fight against the
Friars in the Philippines.