LESSON 7.

2 EXECUTION AT BAGUMBAYAN

OBJECTIVES
To discuss Rizals execution in Bagumbayan. To asses Rizals moral legacy on love of country.

NAMES TO REMEMBER
Miguel Saderra Mata the Rector of the Ateneo Municipal; arrived in the prison early in the morning. Fr. Luis Viza came with Fr. Mata; the priest to whom Rizal asked for the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which he made during his stay in Ateneo. Fr. Antonio Rosell another friend of Rizal who gladly eaten a fine breakfast with him; returned in the afternoon to resume his talk with Rizal. Lt. Taviel de Andrade Rizal extended his appreciation for Andrade's services as his defense counsel. Fr. Federico Faiura had prophesied earlier rather comically that Rizal would lose his head for writing the Noli Me Tangere, and the latter congratulated the priest for being right. Fr. Jose Villaclara Rizal's former teacher in Ateneo; ate lunch with him. Fr. Vicente Balaguer accompanied Fr. Villaclara; ate luch with Rizal as well. Santiago Mataix contributor in the El Heraldo de Madrid Teodora Alonzo Rizal knelt before his beloved mother, begging for forgiveness and understanding; the mother and son were separated by the strong grip of the prison guard. Trinidad arrived when Teodora left the chapel; to her, Rizal handed down an alcohol cooking stove and whispered that something was inside it (turned out to be his last piece, the Mi Ultimo Adios, written in a small piece of paper). Gaspar Castao fiscal of the Royal Audiencia; had a good conversation with Rizal.

The execution of Dr. Jose Rizal

A few minutes before seven in the morning of December 30, Dr. Rizal walked from Fort Santiago to Bagumbayan field. His arms were tied behind his back.

His head was erect having a clear conscience, and a smile in his face.
Beside him walked Lt. Luis De Andrade, who had defended him in the trial, Fathers Villaclara and March. Before and behind him were soldiers

Rizal ready and calm, took his position opposite his executioners. His last words were those of Jesus Christ : consummatum est, it is finished. Roll of drums and a volley of artillery accompany the firing of the soldiers. And even at the moment of his fall, Rizal turns his body so that he ends up lying on his back, with his face to the sun. The elegant spanish ladies wave their handkerchiefs , the gentleman applaud. And while the Filipinos see the executions in enraged silence, calls of Viva Espana! resound thunderously.