Case Study 1: First Catholic Mass in the Philippines

Where Did the First Catholic Mass Take Place in the Philippines?

On March 31, 1521, barely three days after Ferdinand Magellan landed on Philippine
land, the first Catholic mass was held in the Philippines. This is regarded as the start of Roman
Catholicism in the country. While the particular site of the first Mass in the Philippines is still
debated and still discussed.

The site of the mass was a point of conflict. According to Pigafetta, the Italian historian
of Magellan's expedition, the first mass was held on the island of "Mazaua," with two local
chieftains present: the rajah of Mazaua and the rajah of Butuan. Following the Mass, the party
ascended a small hill and placed a wooden cross on it. Now, as it is stated, Mazaua's
identification is the point of disagreement in this case. Originally, it was supposed to be on the
island of Limasawa, in the province of Leyte, but some historians claim that the error was caused
by a misinterpretation, and that the correct location ought to be Butuan. Now, we could see that
there are two major theories on this: one says it's a tiny island southwest of Leyte, while the other
says it's a beach called "Masao" at the opening of the Agusan River in northern Mindanao, near
the town (now city) of Butuan. But if we focused on the primary sources, according to it, on the
same day as the mass, a cross was raised to the peak of a mountain, which, according to Francis
Albo, from the top of the mountain, you can overlook three islands from the west and southwest,
and Butuan from the north. Given this fact, It actually describes the current Limasawa based on
the geographical characteristics provided by Albo and Pigafetta.

The evidences for my case that comes from the accounts of Pigafetta and Francisco Albo,
both of whom claimed that they traveled westward from Homonhon to the island of Leyte before
turning south to reach this island. The island of Limasawa in Southern Leyte is the counterpart
based on the geographic coordinates reported by Albo and Pigafetta. Therefore, based on the
facts stated, as well as the materials and pieces of evidence gathered, I confirm that the first mass
in the Philippines was held in Limasawa.
 I agree with Pigafettas and Albo's testimonies because they are eyewitnesses and may be
called firsthand reports. In comparison to the assertions expressed by second-hand stories,
Pigafetta's book is the most complete and reputable source of information regarding Magellan's
trip. Although the evidence offered to originate from only two reports, those pieces of evidence
are regarded as primary sources. The facts and statements on those two were validated, but the
Pro-Butuan accusations are primarily based on secondhand reports. Although their allegations
are confirmed by other historians, the corroboration of facts and statements is inconsistent. The
evidence mentioned above, such as the evidence from Albo's logbook and Pigafetta's account;
the two native kings; the seven days at Mazaua, as well as other evidence such as the
confirmation evidence of the Legazpi expedition, are enough for me to affirm that Limasawa is
the original place where the first mass in the Philippines was held.

Mrs. Nieves Guevarra Paras, Lady Dianne S.

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