Bro. Ryan Mejillano in Metro Manila, Part 5 At Rizal Monument

The Rizal Monument

All these pictures with Bro. Ryan in Luneta, Quirino Grandstand and Rizal Monument happened only in a day, actually last December 14, 2008. I decided to present them here not for Bro. Ryan and myself who are grown ups and both are not fond of going around wasting time. Brother was my visitor for only a night and a day before he returned to Davao. As a sign of hospitality I toured him to this historic place instead of a Mall. Being joyful persons that we are, we enjoyed the visit to Luneta as if we are school boys being in this place for the first time.

Fr. Abe before the Rizal monument

I chose to post these pictures because through them I can explain something about our history, our culture and share my thoughts on the religious events that happened here which greatly influenced my life as a Filipino and as Catholic priest. Many Filipinos are visiting the place yet they are not even aware that the first ever Statue of St. Lorenzo de Manila is in Luneta. It has become a mere park, a 'pasyalan' for many without realizing that it is a sacred ground for both Political, Social, Cultural and Religious reasons.

Bro. Ryan in front of Rizal Monument with the Millennium Clock at Quirino Grandstand at his back

The Rizal Monument is for Filipinos as the Lincoln Monument is for the Americans. This is the place where our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was martyred by the Spanish government and his remains is buried within that hallowed monument. Thus, it is perpetually guarded by two Filipino gendarmes in full regalia.

Bro. Ryan near the Millennium Clock with the High Rise buildings along Roxas Boulevard at the background.

Every visiting Head of State are coming to this monument to offer crown of flowers in honor of the National Hero and of the entire Nation. Respect to this place is a respect to each and every Filipino and desecration to this place is an slap to the face of each and every Filipino.

Bro. Ryan along Roxas Boulevard with the historic Manila Hotel at the background.

It is my prayer that our younger generation will not loose their sense of history and genuine love of country. But that history must not disregard the History of the Catholic Church in the Philippines which is intertwined with our own political and social story. May they be able to recognize the substantial contributions of the Catholic Church for the progress of our nation.

At the giant flagpole of the Philippine Flag with the Rizal Monument at the back

The Catholic Church was the first to develop the educational system in the country. She built our first science centers and its first colleges and universities many of which are still alive and serving. Contrary to the claims of the atheists and the communinists and the Masons the Church has contributed much for this nation. Almost all of our earliest hospitals, orphanages, schools and libraries and dictionaries and historical annals were founded, established or written or collected by our priests, monks and nuns.

As we want our youth to be nationalistic, we don't want them to be close to the goods that other people and nations and culture could bring. Just like Dr. Jose Rizal who was well-travelled, well educated, conversant in many languages we want our youth to be open to the best that other can give so that in return they can be enriched and will enrich others as well.