REFLECTIONS IN THE MIRROR:

FINDING ONESELF IN RIZAL’S

CHARACTERS

Johnlemmar Jabonga
 A Character of Unwavering Faith:

PADRE FLORENTINO

CHARACTER STUDY CHARACTER

Padre Florentino is a complex character in El Filibusterismo. He is a
DEVELOPMENT
devout Catholic priest, a patriot, and a pragmatist. He is deeply
spiritual, morally upright, and a wise counselor. Despite his love for his Padre Florentino's
country, he rejects violence and advocates for peaceful reform. He is a humility and
symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Filipino compassion were
people.
shaped by his
devout family, the
societal injustices he
witnessed under
Spanish rule, and
personal reflections
on faith and
freedom. Similarly,
I’ve learned to
navigate challenges
with integrity,
drawing strength
from my values and
quiet introspection.

COMMUNITY NATIONAL
IMPACT IMOACT
Padre Florentino's quiet Padre Florentino’s courage and
resistance and moral leadership belief in unity highlight the
inspired his community to reflect power of integrity in overcoming
on justice and unity, proving that injustice. His growth inspires us
even subtle acts can spark to act with compassion and
meaningful change. His growth responsibility for national
reminds me that compassion, progress.
integrity, and leading by example
are powerful tools for community
development and transformation.
Rizal Reflections

Padre Florentino:
A Character Study
Key traits, actions and
motivations
Padre Florentino is a character defined by deep
moral integrity, compassion, and
steadfastness. He is thoughtful, principled, and
committed to his faith, prioritizing the well-being
of his fellow Filipinos over personal ambition or
political gain. His actions, such as standing
against the oppressive Spanish rule and
supporting Simoun's efforts while quietly
opposing violence, showcase his dedication to
justice and social change. His motivation comes
from a belief in the power of collective
awakening and a hope for genuine freedom
and reform through non-violence.

"Padre Florentino: A Symbol of Faith,

Patriotism, and Peaceful Resistance"

Padre Florentino is characterized by his deep spiritual faith,

patriotism, and a strong moral compass, embodying a
commitment to ethical living and peaceful reform. He mentors
young Filipinos like Isagani, guiding them toward a hopeful future
and providing moral counsel to those in need, including Simoun.
Despite his love for his country and desire for liberation from
Spanish rule, he rejects violence, advocating for gradual, non-
violent change as a path to freedom. His actions and dedication
symbolize the resilience and enduring spirit of the Filipino people.
Driven by hope, spiritual fulfillment, and a belief in living virtuously,
he remains committed to the well-being of his country and its
future.

In conclusion, Padre Florentino is a multifaceted character who

embodies the best of Filipino values. His unwavering faith, his love
for country, and his commitment to peaceful reform make him a
timeless figure whose message continues to resonate with
readers today.
RIZAL REFLECTIONS

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

A SERENE FILIPINO HOME BY THE SEA, SYMBOLIZING

HUMILITY AND SIMPLICITY.

Padre Florentino grew up in a devout Catholic family. His upbringing

instilled in him a sense of duty and compassion. Despite societal pressures
to rise in clerical rank, he chose to stay grounded, reflecting his family's
values of humility. Just as he was guided by his family's principles, I too
have learned to make decisions based on my core values, prioritizing
integrity over ambition. As an individual who is serving God for almost a
year is one thing that relates me to Padre Florentino. Exemplifying the
values and attitudes that I grew up is where I based on my family bringing
and environment. I am who today because of my family bringing and
environment influenced.

A BUSTLING TOWN SQUARE WITH A MIXTURE OF SPANISH

COLONIAL SOLDIERS AND FILIPINO CITIZENS.
Living under Spanish rule, oppressed. Like him, I’ve actions of life, I will defend what is right
Padre Florentino learned the importance and just at any expense. Having the
witnessed the oppression of standing for justice and challenges that I might face along the
of his fellow Filipinos. His fairness, even when way is not a hindrance to achieve what I
position as a priest gave navigating conflicting am fighting because I know in myself that
him insight into both sides expectations from I am in the right and truth with God
of the struggle, but his different groups. With firm guidance and protection.
loyalty lay with the basis and

PADRE FLORENTINO STANDING AT THE SHORE,

GAZING AT THE HORIZON, SYMBOLIZING
CONTEMPLATION AND LOSS.

The death of Simoun, coupled just as it did for Padre Florentino.

with his own reflections on faith This visualization is something
and freedom, shaped his resolve that connects me since amidst
to contribute to societal change of failures and disappointments,
subtly. He realized that true distancing yourself is one way to
freedom comes rom collective get back , collect yourself and
awakening, not violence. reflect in order to learn and grow
In moments of personal loss from what failures comes in life.
or failure, I’ve found that quiet
reflection can lead to profound
understanding and growth,
RIZAL REFLECTIONS

IMPACT
I N C O M M U N I T Y
N A T I O N A L
A N D

Padre Florentino's growth inspires

communities and nations to pursue
justice and progress through moral
integrity, unity, and peaceful
reform.

Padre Florentino symbolizes moral

courage, quiet resistance, and the power
of faith in addressing societal injustice.
His refusal to condone violence and his
belief in the collective awakening of
Filipinos reflect ideals of non-violent Padre Florentino’s character embodies the
resistance and thoughtful leadership. strength of moral integrity, compassion,
These values highlight the importance of and peaceful advocacy, which can inspire
principled action and unity in achieving community development by fostering unity
national progress. Padre Florentino's and resilience. His dedication to mentoring
growth inspires us to prioritize integrity the youth, guiding them with wisdom and
and unity over personal ambition. His ethical values, can inspire communities to
invest in education and moral upbringing as
story reminds us that true national
a path toward a better future. His
development stems from collective
commitment to non-violence and gradual
moral strength, social justice, and faith
reform can motivate communities to seek
in transformative progress, serving as a solutions rooted in dialogue and collective
call to act responsibly and action, rather than conflict.
compassionately for the greater good.