THE SITE OF FIRST-MASS IN THE PHILIPPINES
The controversy regarding the site of the first Mass ever celebrated on Philippine
soil. According to Pigafetta, it was held on Eastern Sunday, the 31st of March 1521,
on an island called Mazaua. Rajah of Mazaua and Rajah of Butuan were present
during the mass. The subject of the controversy is the identity of Mazaua. One
argument points to the island south of Leyte which on the Philippine map is called
Limasawa; the other rejects that claim and points instead to the beach called Masao
at the mouth of the Agusan River in northern Mindanao, near what was then the
village (now the city) of Butuan.
If Mazaua was in or near Butuan, there is a strange omission in Pigafetta's account.
Butuan is located along the Agusan River, and the Masao beach is at the river's
delta. If the Mass was held there, why didn't Pigafetta mention the river? The fact
that he doesn't talk about a river is important. Pigafetta describes Mazaua as an
island surrounded by the sea, not a river delta. Therefore, according to his account
—Mazaua was an island, not a riverbank.
The first Catholic Mass in the Philippines was celebrated on March 31, 1521, during
Easter Sunday. It took place on the island of Masaua now known as Limasawa,
located in the southern part of Leyte. This historic event was part of Ferdinand
Magellan's expedition, and the mass was celebrated by Fr. Pedro de Valderrama, the
chaplain of the fleet.
According to the account of Antonio Pigafetta, who chronicled the journey, several
notable figures attended the mass. Rajah Calambu, the king of Masaua, was
present, along with his brother Rajah Siani, the king of Butuan. They were key local
leaders who had friendly relations with Magellan's expedition. Also in attendance
were members of Magellan’s crew, including sailors, officers, and other Spanish
expedition members, who participated in this Easter Sunday celebration. This mass
marked a significant moment in the religious and cultural history of the Philippines,
as it was the first introduction of Christianity to the archipelago.
The mass not only signified religious worship but also strengthened the alliance
between the local rulers and Magellan’s expedition, symbolizing a meeting of
different cultures during the early period of Spanish exploration in the region.
The first mass in Limasa during Magellan's expedition holds great importance in
understanding our history and the origins of Christianity in the Philippines. It marked
the beginning of the spread of Christianity in the country and the colonization by
the Spanish. It is crucial to identify the true historical background of this event to
fully appreciate and understand its significance. First and foremost, identifying the
true historical background of the first Mass in Limasa during Magellan's expedition
helps us to have a clearer picture of our past. It allows us to connect with our roots
and understand how our nation came to be shaped by different cultures and
influences. By knowing the context in which this event took place, we can better
appreciate the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors. Furthermore, understanding
the true historical background of this event is essential for preserving our cultural
heritage.
It allows us to protect and conserve historical sites and artifacts associated with the
first Mass in Limasa. By acknowledging and honoring this important moment in our
history, we are able to ensure that future generations will also have the opportunity
to learn from it. Moreover, knowing the true historical background of the first Mass
in Limasa during Magellan's expedition is relevant today because it helps us to
understand the complexities of our society.
It allows us to see how different cultures have interacted and influenced each other
over time. This knowledge is essential for fostering a more inclusive and tolerant
society that values diversity and celebrates our shared heritage. In conclusion,
identifying the true historical background of the first Mass in Limasa during
Magellan's expedition is essential for preserving our history, culture, and identity. By
acknowledging this event and understanding its significance, we are able to learn
from the past and build a better future for ourselves and generations to come. Let
us continue to honor and commemorate this important moment in our history, as it
has shaped who we are today
