What Were the Last Words of Padre Burgos?
Padre Jose Burgos's last words, uttered moments before his execution, were: "My son I forgive you. Perform your duty."
The Gomburza Martyrdom: A Defining Moment
The execution of Father Jose Burgos, along with Fathers Mariano Gomez and Jacinto Zamora—collectively known as Gomburza—on February 17, 1872, marked a pivotal moment in Philippine history. Accused of complicity in the Cavite Mutiny, these Filipino priests were publicly garroted by the Spanish colonial authorities. This unjust act ignited the flames of nationalism and significantly influenced the burgeoning Philippine independence movement.
The Unjust Execution
On the day of the execution, the three priests were led to Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park) where the garrote awaited them. Accounts from the period describe the somber atmosphere and the courage of the condemned. For Padre Burgos, who was highly respected and known for his liberal ideas and advocacy for secular priests, the moment was particularly poignant.
As the executioner prepared to carry out his grim task, he knelt before Padre Burgos, reportedly expressing his reluctance and seeking forgiveness: "My father please forgive me for being your executioner. I do not want to do this work." In a display of profound dignity and spiritual fortitude, Padre Burgos offered his forgiveness and urged the man to fulfill his obligation, uttering the words that would become his powerful last testament: "My son I forgive you. Perform your duty." These words underscore his acceptance of his fate and his unwavering faith.
Legacy and Impact
The martyrdom of Gomburza sent shockwaves throughout the Philippines, uniting Filipinos from various social classes against Spanish colonial rule. Their deaths became a symbol of Spanish oppression and racial injustice, inspiring the next generation of Filipino reformists and revolutionaries.
- Rizal's Inspiration: National hero Dr. Jose Rizal dedicated his second novel, El Filibusterismo, to the memory of Gomburza, citing their execution as a catalyst for his own awakening and nationalist fervor.
- Rise of Nationalism: The incident galvanized the Propaganda Movement, an intellectual and political movement aimed at achieving reforms for the Philippines.
- Call for Reforms: The martyrdom underscored the deep-seated grievances regarding the secularization movement and the unequal treatment of Filipino priests by the Spanish friars.
Key Figures of the Gomburza Martyrdom
| Name | Role/Background | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Jose Burgos | A mestizo secular priest, advocate for the rights of Filipino clergy, and a progressive intellectual. | Led the movement for the secularization of parishes; youngest and most outspoken. |
| Mariano Gomez | An elderly Filipino secular priest, known for his compassion and charitable works in Cavite. | Oldest of the three, respected for his piety and quiet influence. |
| Jacinto Zamora | A Filipino secular priest, often described as a more impulsive character; accused due to a gambling note. | His name, along with Gomez and Burgos, became synonymous with the unjust execution. |
The last words of Padre Burgos serve as a testament to his character, forgiveness, and the enduring spirit of resistance that would eventually lead to the Philippine Revolution.
