Karwyn Dawn B.

Joyosa BSBA 102

RIPH (03 Activity 3 - ARG)

1. Summarize two (2) learning resources from 03 Readings: The Site of the First
Mass.
- Amazing Butuan (2009). Site of the first mass, after 488 years
controversy continues.

On March 31, a Tridentine service was performed early in the

morning at Bood Promontory in Pinamanculan to celebrate the 488th First
Mass Celebration, which was officiated by Father Joesello Amalia. The
mass is entirely in Latin, and it commemorates the first Mass celebrated
on March 31, 1521, by Fr. Pedro Valderrama, chaplain of the Spanish
expedition led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. In March
1521, Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan "rediscovered" the
archipelago, making history. Little did he realize that more than 400 years
later, two locations will vie for the title of the Philippines' first recorded
Mass: Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte or Masao in Butuan. When
Limasawa and Masao both honored the anniversary of the documented
First Mass in their respective locales, the disagreement makes a mockery
of Philippine history. The controversy began when Dr. Gregorio Zaide and
his daughter, Sonio, stated in numerous editions of their widely distributed
history textbook during the 1980s that the recorded First Mass was held in
Masao, Butuan, dismissing the Limasawa claim as false. The First Mass
argument persists, and historians have been summoned to intervene in
the aim of resolving the long-running conflict.

- Bernad, M. A. (2002). Butuan or Limasawa: The site of the first mass

in the Philippines: A reexamination of the evidence.

Pope Francis' visit will inevitably raise a contentious and unsolved

topic about Christianity's entrance to the Philippines. Where did the first
 Holy Mass take place? The Pope remarked upon his arrival that the
Philippines' Church was preparing to commemorate the fifth anniversary of
the "initial proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on these lands." The
first Holy Mass is largely credited with bringing Christianity to Philippine
coastlines, and Butuan City and Limasawa, Southern Leyte, both claim to
be the sites of this important religious ceremony. Rolly Narciso is one
among the many people working hard to have Masau in Butuan City
recognized as the genuine location. The National Historical Institute (NHI)
has already reached a decision following a two-year investigation, and it is
hoped that this historical debate would be addressed by March 31, 2015,
when the Philippines celebrates its 500th year of Christianization. In 1996,
it reiterated the popular notion that the first Holy Mass was held on
Limasawa Island on March 31, 1521, as prompted by Republic Act 2733.
The NHI highlighted Antonio Pigafetta's memoirs as "the only trustworthy
primary source that gives the best evidence of the celebration of the first
Christian Mass on Philippine soil," as he covered Ferdinand Magellan's
trip. Despite the NHI's ruling, this subject is still up for debate.

2. State the viewpoint/argument of each resource.

- On March 31, 1521, Fr. Pedro Valderrama, chaplain of the Spanish
expedition led by Portuguese sailor Ferdinand Magellan, died. In March
1521, explorer Ferdinand Magellan of Portugal “rediscovered" the
archipelago and created history. He had no idea that more than 400 years
later, two locations will vie for the title of the Philippines' first recorded
Mass: Limasawa Island in southern Leyte or Mazzua or Masao in Butuan.
It is obvious from source number 1 that they are still unsure whether the
initial mass occurred in the Limasawa Islands or in three locations:
Mazzua, Masao, and Butuan. Rolly Narciso, according to source number
2, is one of those frantically pressing for the official acknowledgment of
Masau in Butuan City as the genuine location. It is hoped that by March
31, 2015, when the Philippines celebrates its 500th year of
Christianization, this historical question will be addressed. After a two-year
investigation, the National Historical Institute (NHI) has reached a
 conclusion. In 1996, it reiterated the popular notion that the first Holy Mass
was held on Limasawa Island on March 31, 1521, as prompted by
Republic Act 2733. The National Historical Institute recognized Antonio
Pigafetta's memoirs as "the only trustworthy primary source that gives the
best evidence of the celebration of the first Christian Mass on Philippine
soil," according to the NHI. Pigafetta chronicled Ferdinand Magellan's trip.
Despite the NHI's conclusion, however, this topic remains controversial.
People are still unsure if the first mass took place in Butuan City or
Limasawa, Southern Leyte, according to this source. All of it boils down to
assertions.

3. Present what evidence that each resource used to support this

viewpoint/argument.
- Source 1

On March 31, 1521, a Spanish expedition led by Portuguese

navigator Ferdinand Magellan embarked on a voyage around the world. In
March 1521, the archipelago was "rediscovered" by Portuguese navigator
Ferdinand Magellan, who created history. More than 400 years later, two
locations will vie for the title of the Philippines' first recorded Mass:
Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte, or Mazzua or Masao in Butuan.

- Source 2

Butuan City and Limasawa, Southern Leyte, both claim to be the

sites of the first Holy Mass, which marked the arrival of Christianity on
Philippine coastlines. Rolly Narciso is one of the ardent proponents of
Masau in Butuan City being officially recognized as the actual location.