Where Did the First Catholic Mass Take Place in the Philippines? Limasawa or Masao

Summary

This lecture delves into the debated topic of the location of the first Catholic Mass in Philippine history, focusing on the claims of Limasawa and Butuan. It discusses historical accounts, including Antonio Pigafetta's voyage logs and the Murillo Velarde map, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines' declaration favoring Limasawa. The lecture concludes by emphasizing the ongoing nature of historical research and the possibility of new evidence altering current understandings.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ The first Catholic Mass in the Philippines is debated to have occurred on March 31, 1521, during Easter Sunday.
• 🙏 Father Pedro de Valderrama is recognized as the celebrant of the first Mass, with locals led by Rajah Humabon and Datu Zula in attendance.
• 🌊 The Mass is said to have taken place at a seashore, marking the beginning of Catholicism in the country.
• 🗺️ The location of the first Mass is a subject of debate between Limasawa, Masawa, and Butuan.
• 📜 Antonio Pigafetta's account, a primary source, supports the claim that the Mass occurred in Limasawa, with details matching the distance and geography.
• 🏔️ A cross was planted on a mountaintop by Magellan, which is a significant point in the Limasawa claim.
• 📜 Another account by Francisco Albo also supports the Limasawa claim, mentioning a cross visible from three islands.
• 🏞️ Butuan's claim is based on historical beliefs and the Murillo Velarde map, which shows Magellan's crew visited Butuan before Cebu.
• 🏛️ In 1872, a marker was placed in Butuan, reflecting the local belief that the first Mass occurred there.
• 🏛️ The National Historical Commission of the Philippines validated Limasawa as the site of the first Mass in 2021, based on historical evidence and modern navigational instruments.
• 🔍 The debate continues, with some still believing the first Mass was in Butuan, indicating that historical research is an ongoing process.

Q & A

What is the debated topic regarding the first Catholic Mass in Philippine history?

The debated topic is whether the first Catholic Mass took place in Limasawa or Butuan.

When was the first Mass said to have occurred?

The first Mass is said to have occurred on March 31, 1521, which was Easter Sunday.

Who was the celebrant of the first Mass in the Philippines?

The celebrant of the first Mass was Father Pedro Valderrama.

Who were the local leaders that attended the first Mass with Magellan?

The local leaders that attended the first Mass were Rajah Humabon and Rajah Kolambu, who were brothers and datu of the region.

What significant event took place following the first Mass?

Following the first Mass, a blood compact was accepted to strengthen the friendship and alliance with the Spaniards, and a big cross was placed at the top of a mountain as a sign of respect.

What evidence supports the claim that the first Mass took place in Limasawa?

The account by Antonio Pigafetta, a survivor of Magellan's voyage, mentions sailing southbound and passing through Limasawa on March 28, 1521, which fits the distance from Humonon Island. Additionally, Francisco Albo's account mentions planting a cross at the top of a mountain from where three islands could be seen, which aligns with Limasawa's description.

What is the historical belief regarding the first Mass site in Butuan?

The historical belief is that the first Mass site was in Masau Island, specifically Butuan del Norte, as recorded in the traditions of the Catholic Church.

What is the significance of the Murillo Velarde map in the debate?

The Murillo Velarde map, found in 1734, stated that Magellan's crew went to Butuan before returning to Limasawa and going to Cebu, which supports the Butuan claim.

What decision did the National Historical Commission of the Philippines make regarding the site of the first Mass?

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines decided and validated Limasawa as the site of the first Mass in the Philippines during the 500 years of Catholicism celebration in 2021.

What is the role of ongoing research in determining the site of the first Mass?

Ongoing research plays a crucial role in discovering new evidence that could potentially change the current understanding of where the first Mass took place, as history is a continuous study.

What is the significance of the date of the first Mass being on Easter Sunday?

The significance is that it sets a specific date for the first Mass, but it also opens up the possibility that Mass could have been held on other significant days during Holy Week, such as Holy Thursday, Good Friday, or Black Saturday.