Reading assignment #5

Task: Read “The Site of the First Mass in the Philippines” by Fr. Miguel Bernard, SJ.
and the stand of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Guide Questions:
According to the text, which two sites are said to be the site of the first mass in the
Philippines?
Fr. Miguel Bernard, SJ seeks to answer the question whether the first mass in the
Philippines happened in Butuan or Limasawa.

Discuss the evidences pointing to Butuan?

According to Fr. Combés, Magellan landed in Butuan and planted a cross on the
island in a ceremony. He never mentioned the first mass but said the archipelago
was claimed for Spain in Butuan. Pastells suggested that Magellan got to know the
Rajah of Butuan which was only at Limasawa for a visit. Also the people of Butuan
would remember Legazpi’s ships and a tradition gew about the first Spaniards that
came there”.

Discuss the evidences pointing to Limasawa?

Fr. Colin mentioned that Magellan went to Butuan briefly then went to Limasawa
which he said is where the first mass and the planting of the cross and as well as the
claiming of the islands. There are two main evidence that point to Limasawa, one
being Albo’s Log Book and from Pigafetta who both state in their books that they
made a stop in Limasawa and platned the cross there. Both being eyewitnesses to
the event.

What is the stand of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines on this?
The NTC was asked that the Butuan monument be rehabilitated and reerected but
was hesitant because that would give the impression that the government was giving
official sanction to the tradition that the first mass was in Butuan. Eventually, the
NTC settled on a compromise. They agreed to rehabilitate and reerect the
monument but wanted the marble slab with the inscription that said that this was
the site of the first mass be removed.