Reading in Philippine History
Site of the First Mass
Group 3
Denisse Lianne A. Tunod
Introduction
The first documented Catholic Mass in the Philippines
was held on March 31, 1521, Easter Sunday. It was
conducted by Father Pedro de Valderrama of Ferdinand
Magellan's expedition. Today, this site is widely believed
by many historians and the government to be Limasawa
off the tip of Southern Leyte, However, until at least the
19th century, the prevailing belief was that the first mass
was held in Butuan
BUTUAN CLAIM
•the first belief or popular belief before, is the first
mass was really held in Butuan because this is
what is written in the traditions of the Catholic
church here in the Philippines and it was held on
the island of Masao in Butuan, Agusan del Norte
BUTUAN CLAIM
• There is a map they found in 1734 that they call Murillo
Velardimar.
• In 1872 Catholics placed a monument of cross where the first
mass took place and in its current location it is located in the town
of Magallanes near Butuan City.
• Another additional evidence, there were excavated balanghay
boats that were used by the Filipinos back then, which they
believe were used to travel or transport the locals for worship
services.
Balanghay Boat
Two Primary Source: Limasawa Claims
•Antonio Pigafetta’s Account
•Francisco Albo’s Log
Who is Antonio Pigaffeta?
•between 1480 and 1491 in
Vicenza, Republic of Venice
(present-day Italy)
•Giovanni Pigafetta and
Angela Zoga
Who is Antonio Pigaffeta?
•Pigafetta was one of the 18 men who made the
complete trip, returning to Spain in 1522, under
the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano, out of
the approximately 240 who set out three years
earlier.
Who is Francisco Albo?
• He was a native of Chios (Axio), [ 1 ] an island in
the Aegean .
• He is known for participating in the expedition of
Fernando de Magallanes . He departs from
Seville as boatswain on the Trinidad ship and
ends the voyage of the first round the world as
pilot of the Victoria ship , under the command of
Juan Sebastián Elcano .
First Mass
• The first documented Catholic
Mass in the Philippines was held
on March 31, 1521, Eastern
Sunday. It was conducted by
Father Pedro de Valderrama of
Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition
along the shore of what was
referred to in the journal of
Antonio Pigafetta as “Mazaua”
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 1521
• Based on Pigafetta’s detailed dairy, it was eastern day when
Magellan sent a priest ashore with some men to prepare for the
mass.
• Magellan landed together with 50 men and the mass was
celebrate
• In the afternoon, after eating their meal, Magellan and the
Spaniards returned ashore and plant the cross on the summit of
the highest hill..
Limasawa or Butuan
•The location of the first mass in the Philippines is
a subject on debate among historians.
•Some historians argue that the first Eastern Mass
in the Philippines was actually held on Limasawa
th
Island Leyte, based on source from 16 and17th
centuries.
Limasawa Claims
• According to Albo, They went to an
Island named Masuao or the
Limasawa.There they planted a cross
upon a mountain-top where they were
able to overlook the three Island from
west and southwest.
• Notes:in the Account of Francisco Albo,
he did not mention about the first mass
Limasawa Claims
• The First Mass was held on March 31, 1521. Based on Pigafetta’s
account, at the 28th of march of the same year, their group landed
on a placed called Mazaua. This would mean that the mass
happened when they we’re staying at the Island of Mazaua
• This historical research by Dr. Antonio Sanchez de Mora supports
the claim that the first mass took place in 1521 on Limasawa
Island.
Pigafetta and Albo
•It must be pointed out that the testimonies given
by Albo and Pigafetta matches. The only
difference is that Pigafetta provided a more
detailed description of their weeklong stay at
Mazaua
Additional Information:
•The National Historical Commission of the
Philippines sustained findings that the Limasawa
Island in Southern Leyte was site of the first mass
on March 31,1521, Eastern Sunday.
•Jesui Priest Miguel A. Bernard, he studies
Pigafetta’s maps
Miguel Anselmo Azcona Bernad
•May 8, 1917 – March 15, 2009
• was a Filipino Jesuit priest, educator, linguist, critic,
academic, historian, author, journalist and editor.
• Son of Misamis Mayor and Misamis Occidental Governor
Don Anselmo Bernad, he entered the Society of Jesus on
June 7, 1932 and was ordained March 24, 1946 in the
Fordham University Church.
• Miguel Anselmo Azcona Bernad, S.J., a Filipino Jesuit
priest, played a significant role in reexamining the evidence
surrounding the location of that pivotal First Mass.
Limasawa Claim (Primary Source]
Francisco Albo and Antonio Pigafetta's account are
acceptable because they are the eyewitness and
associate of the expedition. They write it on their diary
what really happened on that day.
Butuan Claim (Secondary Source)
• Father Francisco Colin S.J. and Father Francisco
Combes S.J. can be proven as secondary and
unclear because they just narrate what they read
of Magellan's Voyage. Masao having the
evidence are weak in logical foundation and
unknown for primary source
ACTIVITY!!
1. Who was the said priest that officiated the mass in Limasawa?
a. Antonio Pigaffeta
b. Francesco Albo
c. Pedro de Valderama
d. Ferdinand Magellan
2. The place where the first mass was celebrated and recognize by the
National Historical commission of the Philippines.
a. Cebu b. Limasawa c. Butuan d. Samar
Activity!
3. When did the first mass in the Philippines happen?
a. March 16,1521 c. March 31,1521
b. March 31, 1527 d. April 17, 1521
4. He studies Pigafetta’s maps
a. Francisco Albo c. Jesui Priest Miguel A. Bernard
b. Dr. Antonio Sanchez de Mora d. Father Pedro de Valderrama
When did the first mass take place: Limasawa Or Butuan? Explain your
answer.
Thank you. ☺
