Padre Faura Witnesses

the Execution of Rizal

21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World
Who is Padre
Faura?
Who is
Jose
Rizal?
Who is Danton
Remoto?
Padre Faura Witnesses the Execution of Rizal
by: Danton Remoto(Poetry)

I stand on the roof

Of the Ateneo municipal,
Shivering
On this December morning.
Months ago,
Pepe came to me
In the observatory.
Padre Faura Witnesses the Execution of Rizal
by: Danton Remoto(Poetry)

About the stars

That do not collide
In the sky:
Instead, he asked me about purgatory
(His cheeks still ruddy
From the sudden sun
After the bitter winter
In Europe)
Padre Faura Witnesses the Execution of Rizal
by: Danton Remoto(Poetry)

And on this day

With the years beginning to turn,
Salt things my eyes.
I see Pepe,
A blur
Between the soldiers
With their Mausers raised
Padre Faura Witnesses the Execution of Rizal
by: Danton Remoto(Poetry)

And the early morning’s Star:

Still shimmering
Even if millons of miles away,
The star itself
Is already dead.
Guide Questions
Padre Faura Witnesses the Execution of Rizal
1. Who is Pepe. Explain.
2. Why does Pepe ask the persona about
the purgatory?
3. The poem talks about the nature of stars.
Can you explain what he means, in terms
of science?
4. The discussion of a star is also a
metaphor. What is it a metaphor for?
Explain.
5. Why was Rizal executed? How is this
similar to the idea of a star? Relate this to
Philippine history.
6. What do you think the persona felt for
Rizal? Give textual evidence.
7. Do you feel the same way? Why or why
not?
8. What would you say was Rizal’s greatest
contribution to Philippine society?
9. If you were in Rizal’s place, would you
have supported the Katipunan? Why or
why not?
10. Who do you consider as our national
hero? Jose Rizal or Andres Bonifacio?