Skip to main content

Interpretation: To the Virgin Mary

Jose Rizal, regardless of certain views later on in his life that were controversial and somewhat contrary to the Roman Catholic faith, was brought up Catholic. He composed this sonnet during his stay at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, when he was about 15 years old.
Mary, sweet peace, solace dear
Of pained mortal! You're the fount
Whence emanates the stream of succor,
That without cease our soil fructifies.

When spoken in modern English, this first stanza reads, “Mary, sweet peace and dear solace, You are the fount of pained mortal. It is from you that the stream of succor emanates, which, without ceasing, gives life to your soil.” It is clearly in praise of the Virgin Mary, whom Rizal says in this verse is the reason for a prosperous yield, and without the help of whom no hard working man can prosper. His high regard for the Virgin Mary is evident in these four lines.

From thy throne, from heaven high,
Kindly hear my sorrowful cry!
And may thy shining veil protect
My voice that rises with rapid flight.

These next four lines are more straight to the point. He prays to Mary who sits in what he imagines is her glorious throne above, and begs her to hear his plea. This indicates a sense of eagerness and desperation. “My voice that rises with rapid flight,” signifies a sense of urgency to the words in his sorrowful cry.

Thou art my Mother, Mary, pure;
Thou'll be the fortress of my life;
Thou'll be my guide on this angry sea.
If ferociously vice pursues me,
If in my pains death harasses me,
Help me, and drive away my woes!

The last stanza sounds more like a prayer. It is evident in these verses that even though Rizal was still at such a young age, he had felt and foreseen that life to him would be difficult.


Need more of this? Uncover the meaning of ALL of of Rizal's relevant poetry and verses by buying the book.