What Did Rizal Do in Madrid Spain?

By Robert Palmer

In the year 1882, Jose Rizal ventured to Madrid, Spain to pursue further studies and fulfill his dream of obtaining a degree in medicine. His stay in Madrid was marked not only by his academic pursuits but also by his involvement in the Philippine reform movement. Here’s a closer look at what Rizal did during his time in Madrid.

Studies

Rizal enrolled at the Universidad Central de Madrid where he pursued medicine. During his time there, he also attended classes in philosophy and letters. He excelled in his studies, earning excellent grades and even winning several awards.

Writing Career

Apart from academics, Rizal continued to hone his writing skills while in Madrid. In 1884, he published his first article for La Solidaridad, a newspaper that supported the Philippine cause for independence from Spain. He went on to contribute several articles and essays for the newspaper and even helped fund it.

Reform Movement

Rizal was an active member of the Propaganda Movement, which aimed to raise awareness about the plight of Filipinos under Spanish rule and push for reforms. He attended meetings and gatherings with fellow members such as Graciano Lopez Jaena and Marcelo H. del Pilar.

In 1884, Rizal founded La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that aimed to unite Filipinos regardless of social class or background and push for reforms peacefully. However, it was short-lived as Rizal was arrested shortly after its establishment.

Personal Life

While in Madrid, Rizal fell in love with Leonor Rivera, whom he had met during his earlier years in the Philippines. Their relationship faced many challenges due to their families’ disapproval and Rizal’s studies abroad. Despite this, they remained committed to each other until Rivera’s untimely death in 1893.

Conclusion

Overall, Rizal’s stay in Madrid was a pivotal time in his life. He not only pursued his studies but also became an active member of the Philippine reform movement and continued to hone his writing skills. His legacy as a national hero is marked by his unwavering commitment to the Philippine cause and his contributions to the country’s literature and culture.