Johnry G.

Camahalan Block 2NB

"First Mass in Limasawa"

Carlos "Botong" Francisco

Who was the artist of the painting? What was the source's original form (historical background)?
For whom is the painting intended? What was the motive of the artist? Would you think the intent
of the artist contradicts the period it claims?

Born in Angono, Rizal, on November 4, 1912, muralist Carlos V. Francisco was better known by
his nickname, Botong. Francisco was, for many decades, the most well-known muralist in the
country, thanks his famed depictions of the past. The source of this painting by Carlos V.
Francisco is government records, photographs, and some typical history books. One of the best
paintings by Carlos Francisco is The First Mass at Limasawa. The government of the Philippines
commissioned this sculpture in 1965 for a celebration in Cebu, marking 400 years since the
Christianization of the Philippines.

On Easter, Limasawa Island hosted a mass for the community. They celebrated the first Mass in
the Philippines with Ferdinand Magellan, the Spanish troops, and several local Filipinos. The
picture has vibrant colors. The painting has a lot of emotion and conveys a narrative to anyone
who views it. The painting is intended for everyone, especially the Christian Filipino people. The
artwork plays a significant role in documenting the first Mass in the Philippines. Given the fact that
the majority of Filipinos are Catholics, where the Spanish introduced Catholicism during the early
colonial era, this painting will take us to the history of the first mass celebration. As a primarily
Catholic country, the Philippines continues to be influenced by Catholic concepts such as the
sanctity of life and reverence for authority. Catholicism is a denomination of Christianity that
teaches that God is comprised of three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit. However, the geography, the incontestable location, of that said first Mass is at the heart of
the issue, as we have seen. Limawasa Island, in contrast to some obscure corner of Butuan.
Nonetheless, I can never forget that since we were taught about history in our primary school
classrooms, Limasawa has been the chosen location.

I believe the motive of the painting is just to give everyone a picture of the how, where, and who
are the participants of the first Mass in the Philippines. The painting is a depiction of the very first
Easter service that was ever conducted on Limasawa Island. The individuals shown in the artwork
have the attitude that it does not matter who and where you are from as long as you attend the
Mass; they are welcomed and welcome. Additionally, religious emblems such as a wooden cross,
candles, a bible, and a priest are shown in the piece of art. The Spaniards and the local Filipinos
who are celebrating together display their faith by bowing down and being very sincere in their
expressions. All of these items symbolize more than just that one event.

I believe the intent of the artist did not contradict the period it claims because all these years
majority of the people believed that it was in Limasawa where the first Mass was celebrated.

Resources.

Appreciating Arts and Culture. (2018, December 29). Information and Communication Technology.
Retrieved October 8, 2022, from https://jm-ict.home.blog/2018/12/29/appreciating-arts-and-culture/