The First Mass in The Philippines
Group 1
Leader: Mike Crhistopher DelaCruz
Members:
Gerwin P. Alvarez
Jess Solig
Matt Christian Rivera
Ej Pagadut
Camille Bayudang
Melody Donelo
Adriane May Ligon
Zayra Ladaona Yaba
Von Eziliel T. Ola
Jeniffer Longatam
Arcel Quimbo
Angel Umangal
Karl Erickson Belvis
Marinie N. Jose
Milody Falc
The First Mass in the Philippines
The Philippines is a country rich in history, culture, and traditions. One of the most
significant events in its history is the arrival of the Spanish colonizers in the 16th century. With
them came the introduction of Christianity, and with it, the first Mass in the Philippines.
It was on March 31, 1521, when the first Mass was celebrated in the Philippines. The
Spanish expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the island of Limasawa, located in
the present-day province of Southern Leyte. Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, sought to find a
western route to the Spice Islands, but instead, he stumbled upon the archipelago of the
Philippines.
Upon their arrival, Magellan and his crew were warmly welcomed by the local
chieftain, Rajah Kulambo, and his people. The chieftain, along with his wife and other
villagers, expressed their curiosity about the foreigners and their strange customs. Magellan,
recognizing this as an opportunity to spread Christianity, decided to hold the first Mass on
Philippine soil.
The Mass was held on a sunny morning, with the crew of the Spanish expedition and
the locals gathered around. It was a moment of great significance, as it marked the beginning
of the Christianization of the Philippines. The Catholic faith was introduced to the Filipinos,
and the seeds of a new religion were sown.
The Mass itself was a solemn and sacred ceremony. The Spanish priests, accompanied
by Magellan, performed the rituals and prayers, while the locals observed in awe and wonder.
The words spoken were foreign to their ears, but the sincerity and devotion of the priests were
evident to all. It was a moment of unity, as the Spaniards and Filipinos came together in
worship.
The first Mass in the Philippines had a profound impact on the Filipino people. It laid
the foundation for the spread of Christianity throughout the archipelago, and it became a
catalyst for cultural and social change. The Filipinos embraced the new religion, incorporating
it into their existing beliefs and practices. Churches were built, and religious orders were
established, shaping the spiritual landscape of the country.
However, it is important to note that the introduction of Christianity was not without
controversy and resistance. The imposition of a foreign religion and the suppression of
indigenous beliefs led to conflicts and tensions. Nonetheless, the first Mass in the Philippines
remains a significant event in the nation's history, serving as a testament to the enduring
influence of Spanish colonization
In conclusion, the first Mass in the Philippines marked a turning point in the country's
history. It brought together two cultures, introduced a new religion, and laid the groundwork
for the Christianization of the archipelago. While it may have sparked controversy and
resistance, its impact on the Filipino people cannot be denied. The first Mass in the Philippines
remains a narrative journey that continues to shape the nation's identity and cultural heritage.
Masao
*1872: A monument to commemorate the site of first mass on the Philippines was
erected in Butuan.
*1953: The people in Butuan asked the Philippine Historical Committee to rehabilitate
the monument or place a marker on the site.
*On the basis of this objection the monument was re erected but the marble slab stating
it was the site of first mass was removed.
*Zaide identified Masao in Butuan as the location of the first mass. The basis Zaide's
claim is the diary of Antonio Pigafetta, chronicle of Magellan's voyage
Limasawa
* Jaime de Veyra stated that the first mass was celebrated in Limawasa not in Butuan.
*Historian Pablo Pastells stating by the footnote to Francisco Colin's Labor Evangelica
that Magellan did not go to Butuan but form Limasawa to Cebu.
* Jaime de Veyra stated that the first mass was celebrated in Limawasa not in Butuan.
*Historian Pablo Pastells stating by the footnote to Francisco Colin's Labor Evangelica
that Magellan did not go to Butuan but form Limasawa to Cebu.
* Francisco Albo (pilot of Magellan's flagship does not mention the first mass but he
writes that they erected a cross on a mountain which overlooked three islands the west and the
southwest.
*James Robertson agreed with Pastells in a footnote that "Mazua" was actually
Limasawa.
* in the authentic account of Pigafetta, the port was not in Butuan but an island named
Mazua (Masawa)
*Father Bernard studied all the Pigafetta's maps, which place in Mazau off the southern
tip of the larger island of Leyte., a check with the modern maps will show that this jibes with
Limasawa and not Masao or Butuan.
PIGAFETTA'S ACCOUNT
- Saturday, March 16, 1521-Magellan's expedition sighted a high land named "Zamal"
which was some 300 leagues westward Ladrones (Marianas) island.
- Sunday, March 17-"The following day after sighting Zamal Island, they landed on
another island which was uninhabited and which lay" to the right "of the above- mentioned
island of "Zamal".
- Monday, March 18-In the afternoon of their second day on that island, they saw a
boat coming towards them with 9 men in it.
There were 2 springs of water on that island of Homonhon. Also they saw there some
indications that there was gold in these islands. Consequently Magellan renamed the island and
called it the Watering Place of the Good omen" (Acquada la di bouni segniali).
- Friday, March 22-At noon the natives returned. This time they were in 2 boats, and
they brought food supplies.
- Monday, March 25- In the afternoon, the expedition weighed anchor and left the
island of Homonhon. In the ecclesiastical calendar, this day was the feast day of the
Incarnation, also called the feast of the Annunciation and therefore "Our Ladys Day".
-The route taken by the expedition after leaving Homonhon was toward the west
southwest, between 4 islands: namely Celano, Hiunanghan, Ibusson and Albarien.
- Thursday, march 28- In the morning of Holy Thursday, March 28, they anchored off
an island where the previous night they seen a light or a bonfire. Two native chieftains were in
attendance: the Rajah of Mazaua and the Rajah of Butuan.
- Early in the morning of Sunday, the last March of Easter-day Magellan sent a priest
with some men to prepare the place where the Mass was to be said; together with interpreter to
tell the king that they did not going to land where to dine with them, but to say Mass.
They remained 7 days on Mazaua island. Thursday, April 4 - They left Mazaua, bound
to Cebu.
Evidence for Limasawa
1. The evidence of Albo’s Log-Book
2. The evidence of Pigafetta
a. Pigafetta’s testimony regarding the route
b. the evidence of Pigafetta’s map
c. the two native Kings
d. the seven days of “Mazuaa”
e. an argument of omission
3. Summary of the evidence of Albo and Pigafetta
4. Confirmatory evidence from the Legaspi expedition
Evidence for Masao
1. The name of the place
2. The route from Homonhon
3. The latitude position
4. The geographical features
a. the bonfire d. abundance of gold
b. the balanghai e. a developed settlement
c. house
THE CATHOLIC PARISH CHURCH OF LIMASAWA
INSIDE THE CHURCH OF LIMASAWA
Introduction of Christianity on Philippine shores is generally linked to the celebrationof
the first Holy Mass. But for the past centuries, innumerable numbers of Filipinos including
thetop experts in education, history, religion, politics and other subjects are still debating as
towhere the exact location of the 'First Mass' on Easter Sunday where both Butuan City
andLimasawa claim to be the venue of this historical religious [Link] people pursue the
historic truth regarding the topic on the birth of Christianityin the Philippines based on
honesty, independent-mindedness, critical truth and truth were onlywherever the search leads
and whatever it’s finding. And to that, we strongly believe that thefirst ever Christian Mass in
the country on March 31, 1521, was celebrated in the island ofLimasawa, South of Leyte and
not in Butuan City, so declared the National Historical Institute(NHI).Numerous trials and
findings conducted by NHI prove that the most credible and reliablesource about the
birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines was written in the account ofAntonio
Pigafetta entitled “First Voyage Around the World”. This account was reported by aprincipal
eyewitness of the event that describes the life of early navigators, descriptions of theislands
and their peoples, their history and records of the catholic missions, and showing the political,
economic, commercial and religious conditions of the country. It contains two essential points
that made the first mass in the Philippines happened in Limasawa , not in [Link] first
point is the testimony of route and map made by Pigafetta about “Mazzaua Island” where the
first mass happened. Limasawa is an island lying off the southwestern tip of
while Butuan is a city located in Caraga Region. As described, Butuan
is a riversettlement and situated near the delta of Agusan River that is not mentioned in the
account ofthe witness. In line with this, Mazaua located lies in the latitude of nine and two-
thirds towardsArctic pole and longitude of one hundred and sixty-two degrees from the line of
[Link] description of the island is deemed fit with the island of
Limasawa, an island on thesouthern tip of Leyte with coordinates of nine degrees and
fifty-four degree north. The fact thatthere is no mention of the river that describes the Mazaua
Island and geographic evidence thatshowed the first mass took place in [Link] second
point is the confirmatory evidence in the presence of two powerful kingswhen Magellan
visited the island, the King of Mazaua and King of Butuan. The fact knew thatlatter is a visitor
Mazaua and his territory is on Butuan which is a separate island. Triana is a suburb of Seville,
Spain in which whereMagellan married Beatriz Barbosa in its main [Link] an article
titled “Butuan or Limasawa? The Site of the First Mass in the Philippines: A
Reexamination of the Evidence”, which Father Miguel Bernad, S.J. authored. Fr. Miguel was
aprofessor and researcher of Saint Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao who went
to Mazaua, Butuan City and Limasawa, Southern Leyte to study the Mass held during
Magellan'sexpedition. He conducted research works in Spain and other places related to
Magellan's [Link] his research, he discovered in the map of Pigafetta that Mazaua was placed
in the southerntip of Leyte. The modern maps will show that this jibes with Limasawa, not in
Butuan. Thus, hecame into a conclusion that Magellan and his co-explorers landed
and held the Mass inLimasawa, Southern [Link] Evidence of Albo's Log-Book
stated that Francisco Albo joined the Magellanexpedition as a pilot in Magellan's
flagship. He was one of the eighteen survivors who returned
The introduction of Christianity on Philippine shores is generally linked to the
celebration of the first Holy Mass. But for the past centuries, innumerable numbers of Filipinos
including the top experts in education, history, religion, politics and other subjects are still
debating as to where the exact location of the 'First Mass' on Easter Sunday where both Butuan
City and Limasawa claim to be the venue of this historical religious rite.
Countless people pursue the historic truth regarding the topic on the birth of Christianity in the
Philippines based on honesty, independent-mindedness, critical truth and truth were only
wherever the search leads and whatever it’s finding. And to that, we strongly believe that the
first ever Christian Mass in the country on March 31, 1521, was celebrated in the island of
Limasawa, South of Leyte and not in Butuan City, so declared the National Historical Institute
(NHI).
Numerous trials and findings conducted by NHI prove that the most credible and
reliable source about the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines was written in the account
of Antonio Pigafetta entitled “First Voyage Around the World”. This account was reported by
a principal eyewitness of the event that describes the life of early navigators, descriptions of
the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the catholic missions, and showing
the political, economic, commercial and religious conditions of the country. It contains two
essential points that made the first mass in the Philippines happened in Limasawa , not in
Butuan.
The first point is the testimony of route and map made by Pigafetta about “Mazzaua
Island” where the first mass happened. Limasawa is an island lying off the southwestern tip of
Leyte while Butuan is a city located in Caraga Region. As described, Butuan is a river
settlement and situated near the delta of Agusan River that is not mentioned in the account of
the witness. In line with this, Mazaua located lies in the latitude of nine and two-thirds towards
Arctic pole and longitude of one hundred and sixty-two degrees from the line of demarcation..
The fact that there is no mention of the river that describes the Mazaua Island and geographic
evidence that showed the first mass took place in Limasawa.
Another shred of evidence as to why Limasawa Island was the real site of the Mass on
Easter Sunday is Triana, the main barangay in the island town. It is in the municipality of
Limasawa. Magellan named the barangay, himself. Triana is a suburb of Seville, Spain in
which where Magellan married Beatriz Barbosa in its main church.
The Evidence of Albo's Log-Book stated that Francisco Albo joined the Magellan
expedition as a pilot in Magellan's flagship. He was one of the eighteen survivors who returned
References:
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
catholic-mass-resolved/
[Link]
ph
[Link]
site-of-1521-easter-sunday-mass-in-ph?__twitter_impression=true
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
Bernad, M. (2002). Butuan or Limasawa: The Site of the First Mass in the Philippines: A
Reexaminationof the Evidence. Budhi: Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
Mercado, S. (2019). Limasawa or Mazzaua? 7th Millennium Community Maasin City 06600,
Southern Leyte, Philippines
Province of Southern Leyte (2019). MUNICIPALITY OF LIMASAWA. Retrieved from:
[Link] gov/local-government-units/limasawa
Saint Mary's College of California (2019). The Site of the First Mass in the Philippines:
Butuan or Limasawa? Retrieved from: coursehero/file/16437675/AAAAA/
