The location of the first mass celebrated in the Philippines has been a topic of scholarly discussion for

many years. However, the evidence that suggests the island of Limasawa was the actual site of the
first mass is quite compelling.

Antonio Pigafetta, the chronicler of Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, documented the first mass as
being held on an island called "Mazaua." However, many historians believe that this island is actually
Limasawa, based on its location and other historical factors. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that
Pigafetta did not mention the river that Butuan is known for, which could narrow down why Limasawa
is where the first mass was held.

Pedro Chirino, a Jesuit historian, also wrote about the first mass taking place on the island of
Limasawa in his work "Relacion de las Islas Filipinas." This account is considered a reliable source of
information, further strengthening the claim that Limasawa was the site of the first mass.

There is also archaeological evidence that supports the claim that Limasawa was where the first mass
was celebrated. A stone carving of a cross has been found on the island, which is believed to be a
symbol of early Christianization. The Limasawa Anchor, a 16th-century anchor discovered off the
coast of Limasawa Island, is also believed to have belonged to one of the ships of Magellan's
expedition and provides physical evidence that the expedition visited the island. Additionally, the
Limasawa Pot, a ceramic pot discovered on the island, is believed to have been used to hold the wine
that was used during the first mass.

The geographic location of Limasawa is another factor that supports the claim that it was the site of
the first mass. Limasawa is situated in the region where Magellan and his crew made contact with the
local population, making it a more plausible location for the first mass than other islands in the
vicinity.

Moreover, several historical accounts, including the writings of Francisco Alcina, a Spanish friar who
lived in the Philippines in the 17th century, support the claim that Limasawa was the site of the first
mass.

It is worth mentioning that the Philippine government officially recognizes Limasawa as the site of the
first mass. This recognition adds legitimacy to the claim and underscores its significance in Philippine
history and culture. Therefore, it is safe to say that Limasawa is a crucial part of the country's history
and heritage.

SUMMARY:
Limasawa is widely regarded as the site of the first mass in the Philippines due to a number of factors,
including historical evidence, archaeological findings, and the accounts of early explorers and
chroniclers.

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence is the account of Antonio Pigafetta, who chronicled
the voyage of Ferdinand Magellan and described the location of the first mass as being on an island
called "Mazaua." Many historians believe that this island is actually Limasawa, based on its location
and other factors.

Another key piece of evidence is the "Relacion de las Islas Filipinas" by the Jesuit historian Pedro
Chirino. In this work, Chirino describes the first mass as having taken place on "the island of
Limasawa." This is seen as strong evidence that Limasawa was indeed the site of the first mass.

In addition to these written records, there is also archaeological evidence that supports the Limasawa
theory. For example, a stone carving of a cross has been found on the island, which is believed to be a
symbol of early Christianization.
Overall, while there are some who argue that the first mass was held in Butuan, the weight of
historical and archaeological evidence strongly supports the idea that Limasawa was the site of this
important event in Philippine history