Rizal, Jose (December 30). Many Filipinos are unaware that Rizal was formerly considered a saint by the Philippine Independent Church, and his death anniversary was honored in the same manner as those of the saints. Rizal's memory is still revered in the Philippines. Rizal was born on December 30, 1892 in San Francisco de Assisi, Italy to Franciscan parents of Spanish descent. He showed an early interest in drawing and music, and at the age of 12, he wrote essays on the Italian poet Dante. Rizal lost his father when he was only 15 years old and his mother two years later. Frustrated with the religious teachings he found in the local church, he decided to seek spiritual guidance from abroad. In Manila, he attended the University of Santo Tomas, where he developed an interest in science and literature. He also began to write poems and articles advocating for the rights of the poor and oppressed. After graduating from university, Rizal worked as an educator for three years. He then traveled to Europe, where he learned about revolutionary ideas and became interested in organizing a national uprising against the Spanish rule. Upon his return to the Philippines, he started a secret society called "La Liga Filipina" (The Filipino League) with this goal in mind.