The first-ever Easter Mass in the Philippines, a significant event in the history of Philippines

Christianity, was held in 1521 on the island of Mazaua, which is known today as Limasawa
Island in Leyte. Dr. Antonio Sanchez de Mora, an expert in Spanish medieval history and head of the
reference service at the Archivo General de Indias in Seville, Spain, came to this conclusion after a
thorough examination of historical sources in the archive related to the initial encounter and the first
Mass on the island of Mazaua. Mora presented his findings as the centerpiece of an online lecture
series, "500th Anniversary of the Mass at Limasawa: The Confusion and Contention over Mazaua." He
grouped his sources into four categories, including documents from Ferdinand Magellan's expedition,
reports from survivors, primary sources and maps, and later interpretations of this information. The
research concludes that the Easter Mass did indeed take place on Mazaua, now Limasawa Island, on
March 31, 1521. A cross was raised on a hill on the island, confirming the event's location. This
challenges the earlier belief that the Mass occurred near the mouth of the Agusan River. The transition
to the Limasawa tradition was confirmed in 1921 when a transcription of a logbook from a ship pilot
placed the event closer to Cebu, and historian Trinidad Pardo de Tavera made the correction. Despite
resistance, subsequent panels and historians reached the same conclusion as Mora.

Mora's research also clarifies that the confusion with the Butuan tradition originated from an
incorrect reading of the chronicles and the motivations of some missionaries in the 16th and 17th
centuries. In terms of historical evangelization, the specific location of the first Mass holds less
importance, as it did not lead to the establishment of a lasting Christian community. Effective
evangelization took place decades later. This research is part of the commemoration of the
quincentennial celebration of the Christianization of the Philippines.

The viewpoint/argument in "The first-ever Easter Mass in the Philippines"

is that the historical event of the first Easter Mass in the Philippines is of great significance in the
country's history. This viewpoint underscores several key points:

Historical Significance: The text highlights the Easter Mass as a pivotal and historically significant event
in the Philippines, emphasizing its importance in the nation's past.

Cultural and Religious Significance: The event is regarded as a foundational moment in the history of
Philippine Christianity, symbolizing the introduction of Catholicism to the islands.

Reevaluation of the Location: The text discusses the ongoing debate and reevaluation of the location of
the first Easter Mass, with a particular focus on Butuan City as a contender.

Historical Research and Documentation: The argument is supported by research and historical
documentation that seeks to substantiate the claim that Butuan City was the site of the first Easter
Mass.

Recognition and Advocacy: The viewpoint advocates for the official recognition of Butuan City as the site
of the first Easter Mass, with proponents dedicated to this cause.

In summary, the viewpoint argues that the first-ever Easter Mass in the Philippines is a historically and
culturally significant event, and it supports the reevaluation of its location, with an emphasis on
recognizing Butuan City's role in this historic event.
Book backing claims Butuan as site of 1st mass launched. Philippine News Agency

Dr. Potenciano R. Malvar, a local historian, has launched a book titled "Beyond the Pale:
Limasawa Hoax, A Tragedy in Philippine History." This book supports the claim that Butuan City was the
site of the first Catholic mass in the Philippines. The launch event was held at the Balanghai Hotel in
Butuan City and attended by representatives from various sectors, including religious, academic, and
business communities. Dr. Malvar is an advocate for officially recognizing Butuan City as the location of
the first Easter Sunday mass in the country in 1521. He dedicated his book to those who support this
advocacy. In the past, he filed criminal complaints against the Mojares Panel, which recommended that
the first Catholic mass was celebrated in Limasawa Island. The National Historical Commission of the
Philippines (NHCP) had adopted the panel's recommendation. The book delves into the life of Ferdinand
Magellan, particularly his travels in the 1500s as documented by Antonio Pigafetta, who was part of
Magellan's expedition. Pigafetta's manuscripts and other historical documents related to Magellan's
expedition are presented in the book as evidence that Magellan and his crew were in Butuan.

Dr. Malvar's research extends to documents from four other expeditions after Magellan's, and
he conducted extensive research in various libraries worldwide to support his claims.

In summary, the book argues that the first Easter mass in the Philippines was celebrated in
Butuan and presents historical evidence to support this viewpoint. It also discusses the findings of
various panels formed by the government, highlighting the ongoing debate over the location of the first
Catholic mass in the Philippines.

The viewpoint or argument presented in the article "Book backing claims Butuan as site of 1st mass
launched"

is that Butuan, a city in the Philippines, should be officially recognized as the site where the first
Catholic mass in the country was celebrated in 1521. The launch of the book "Beyond the Pale:
Limasawa Hoax, A Tragedy in Philippine History" by Dr. Potenciano R. Malvar is a part of this argument.

These are the key points of this argument:

Historical Claim: The argument asserts that Butuan should be acknowledged as the location of the first
Easter Sunday mass, challenging the previously accepted belief that it was held in Limasawa Island.

Research and Documentation: Dr. Potenciano R. Malvar, a local historian and advocate for recognizing
Butuan as the site, conducted extensive research, including studying historical manuscripts and
documents from the 16th century.

Advocacy and Legal Action: The article mentions that Dr. Malvar had filed criminal complaints against
the Mojares Panel, which had recommended Limasawa as the location of the first mass.

Recognition Efforts: Various sectors, including religious, academic, and business communities, are
supportive of officially recognizing Butuan's claim, as evidenced by their presence at the book launch.

Ongoing Debate: The article highlights the ongoing debate and the involvement of governmental bodies
such as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in addressing the issue.
In summary, the argument advocates for the official recognition of Butuan City as the site of the first
Catholic mass in the Philippines, challenging the previous consensus that it was held in Limasawa Island.
It is based on historical research, legal actions, and the support of various communities.