Homelife of the Rizals

The Rizal family had a simple, contented, and happy life. In consonance with Filipino custom, family ties among the Rizals were intimately close. Don Frincisco and Doña Teodora loved their children, but they never spoiled them. They were strict parents and they trained their children to loved God, to behave well, to be obedient, and to respect people, especially the old folks. Whenever the children, including Jose Rizal, got into mischief, they were given a sound spanking. Evidently, they believed in the maxim: “Spare the rod and spoil the child.”

Everyday the Rizal’s (parents and children) heard Mass in the town church, particularly during Sundays and Christian Holidays. They prayed together daily at home – the Angelus at sunset and the rosary before retiring to bed at night. After the family prayers, all the children kissed the hands of their parents.

Life was not, however, all prayers and church services for the Rizal children. They were given ample time and freedom to play by their strict and religious parents. They played merrily in the azotea or in the garden by themselves. The older ones were allowed to play with the children of other families.