Gods smiles on Anacleto

The wonders of science were almost beyond reach of the common masses during the Spanish rule. Few of them ever had the benefit of the collage education. Hence, they were prone to superstitions. Anacleto del Rosario, who came from the ranks of the poor, was a shining beacon. He rose to become the Prince of the Filipino Chemist despite poverty and the limitations of a Spanish-imposed curriculum.

Anacleto was born in 1860 to a humble rope-maker Eugenio del Rosario, and a fruit vendor, Casimira Sales. He was well-loved since he was the only survivor of eleven children of the poor couple.

During his early boyhood, he studied under private tutors, one of whom was a lawyer-uncle. At the age of seven, he mastered the alphabet and learned elementary Spanish. He was such a bright boy that his hardworking parents entertained glowing illusions of his golden future.

Unfortunately, misfortune struck the family in 1872, when Anacleto was barely eleven years old. His father died and his mother became an invalid. Despite his extreme youth and weak body, Anacleto did a man's job to support his sick mother and had to quit his studies. He sold fruits and vegetable in the streets like his mother; he made ropes like his later father; and, later, he worked as a laborer at the electric company in Manila.

Though tired and wavy from the day's work, Anacleto attended to his mother's needs cheerfully. Not even once did he complain the misery and hopelessness. He knew that someday the Lord will send an angel of mercy to help him and his mother in their sad state. His prayers were answered when a rich and kind relative came to their rescue. In 1873, he enrolled Anacleto, then eleven years old, in the secondary course under private tutors, in the Ateneo de Manila. From then on, it was smooth sailing. He passed the trials and God was obviously pleased with him.