Jose Rizal in Paris
The Philippine national hero Jose Rizal spent time in Paris from 1883-1891, along with several other international destinations.
Who was Jose Rizal?
José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda (1861-1896) was a Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath active at the end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines. He is popularly considered a national hero.
An ophthalmologist by profession, Rizal became a writer and a key member of the Filipino Propaganda Movement, which advocated political reforms for the colony under Spain.
He was executed by the Spanish colonial government for the crime of rebellion after the Philippine Revolution broke out; the revolution was inspired by his writings. Though he was not actively involved in its planning or conduct, he ultimately approved of its goals, which eventually resulted in Philippine independence.
Rizal is so revered by the Philippine people, and especially its expatriate community, that many monuments have been erected in his honour around the world.
For example, in Paris Place Jose Rizal was named after him in 1999, and is located at the intersection of rue de Maubeuge, rue Choron, and rue Rodier in the 9th arrondissement. The area is one of the several places where Rizal stayed in Paris.
Moreover, there is now a bust and pedestal of Rizal which was unveiled on 23 June 2022 at Place Jose Rizal. On the occasion of the unveiling of this bust, Philippine Ambassador to France Junever Mahilum-West said “We are proud that Paris is now the latest addition to the long roster of major cities around the world that has a sculpture in honor of the Philippine national hero.”
The spirit of Rizal is kept alive by “The Knights of Rizal” and associated women’s groups, an order of chivalry of the Philippines, created to honour and uphold his ideals. The Order was established in 1911 by Colonel Antonio C. Torres, who later served as the first Filipino chief of police of Manila. I must confess that I was personally inducted into the order while I was in Canada, over a decade ago.
As June and I prepare for our departure from France, we were invited to a ceremony in Place Jose Rizal today to celebrate Rizal’s birthday.
June, a keen supporter of The Knights of Rizal, was also bestowed a special honour for her services, in the form of a golden medal.
Our friendship and links with The Knights of Rizal will no doubt continue into the future thanks to Facebook, and reciprocal visits. The Knights are above all a friendship group of proud Filipinos.