From the school colors, to the alma mater song, and to the October medals, Ateneans highly revere the Virgin Mary.

We usually commemorate the Rosary during Octobers only, the month of the Holy Rosary, and we tend to put it aside and take it for granted for the rest of the year. This should not be the case, though, as the Rosary is not only a mere symbol of our Catholic faith, or a way to manifest all our dreams and aspirations, but it’s certainly more than that. Not only does it remind us of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus and allow us to reflect on ourselves and form a deeper relationship with God, it has also seen and played an important role in some of the most important events in our country. It only shows that the Rosary is relevant in our everyday lives and that it remains timeless.

EDSA Revolution

Aside from successfully ousting former President Marcos, another reason why the People Power Revolution became significant, not only in the country but all over the world, was because it had no bloodshed and it was the most peaceful revolution mankind has ever witnessed. With soldiers and tanks all over the place, the Filipinos bravely faced them with rosaries, flowers, and good intentions. Having religious leaders and the faithful oppose the Marcos regime paved the way in maintaining peace and for everyone to be reminded to always pursue the common good. It was the people’s kindness that prevailed, and at the end of the day, everyone was equally humane. This is also why we see a big statue of Mary, Queen of Peace at the EDSA shrine.

Dutch Republic Attack

Looking at the history of our country, we see how it has experienced several foreign invasions due to our country’s strategic location, and back in 1646, the Dutch Republic almost became part of the list. Knowing that the Filipino military did not have the means to go against the Dutch, the soldiers sought protection from Our Lady of the Rosary and fervently prayed the rosary. Surprisingly, the Filipino naval force, composed of Filipinos and Spaniards, was able to make the Dutch turn back their ships and eventually surrender. Upon winning, they returned to Manila and did a pilgrimage in honor of their patroness.

Dr. Jose Rizal’s Last Moments

Whenever we see portrayals of Dr. Jose Rizal’s death, the props and costume are usually a tuxedo paired with an optional bowler hat. However, there is another prop that is constantly seen in almost all these representations: a rosary. This is because he was actually holding a rosary on his right hand hours before his execution. It was also said that he was calm and collected moments before his death sentence and this could be related to the religious guidance, as well as the support of his family and the Jesuit priests. “Jose Rizal is said to have clutched a rosary given to him by his family before he died,” as narrated in the Ateneo website. In fact, this exact rosary is displayed at the University Archives.

Some may think that it was because of the rosary, as an object, that made these events possible, but Fr. Jojo Magadia, S.J., thinks otherwise. The intentions behind our prayers and the utter trust and faith that we have is what makes it truly powerful. As published in the school’s website, “… the rosary is given to you so that you might learn to persevere, struggle through, and finish what you begin. The rosary is there to remind you to always be generous, magnanimous, and self-giving.”

Sources:
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1986-02-28-8601150584-story.html
https://aleteia.org/2019/11/09/how-our-lady-of-the-rosary-rescued-the-philippines/
https://www.ateneo.edu/about/mary-for-you
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2010/12/29/643170/rizals-execution-little-known-facts

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Sophia Orlanes