Site of the First Mass

Summary

The video script discusses the historical debate over the location of the first Catholic mass in the Philippines. Traditionally, Misawa Island is credited with hosting the event on March 31, 1531, as documented by Antonio Pigafetta, a navigator on Magellan's expedition. However, local historians in Butuan argue that the mass occurred in Manzawa, now Masao, due to its agricultural significance, which Misawa Island lacks. The script also highlights the discrepancies in historical records, with some suggesting that 'Misawa' was not the island's name in 1521, but 'Kalibutan'. The debate is significant for the Church, with a local historian urging the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines to investigate the controversy.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ The first Catholic mass is historically stated to have been held on Misawa Island on March 31, 1531.
• 📜 Antonio Pigafita, an Italian traveler and chronicler, provided a detailed account of Magellan's expedition, including the first mass.
• 👑 Both the King of Masawa and the King of Butuan were in attendance at the first mass and the planting of the cross.
• 🤔 Local historians in Butuan, however, believe the first mass took place in Manzawa, now called Masao, not Misawa.
• 🙏 Friar Pedro Valderrama celebrated the mass on Easter Sunday, alongside Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew.
• ⚓️ The Spaniards planted a cross on the highest hill and stayed in the area for seven days, interacting with the local Rahaz men.
• 🌾 The Spaniards helped with the rice harvest for two days, indicating the place was a significant agricultural area.
• 🏝️ Misawa Island in Leyte was not an agricultural area, suggesting that the first mass site might be misidentified.
• 📍 The location of the first mass is disputed, with some arguing it was in Butuan City, not later identified as Misawa.
• 🔍 The name 'Misawa Island' only appeared in 1667, according to 'Historia di Mindanao', adding to the controversy.
• 🏛️ Greg Cortezeros, a local historian and president of the Butuan City Heritage Society, has requested the CBCP to investigate the first mass controversy.

Q & A

Where was the first Catholic mass reportedly held according to history books?

History books state that the first Catholic mass was held in Misawa Island.

Who were the kings present during the first Catholic mass according to Antonio Pigafita?

The kings of Masawa and Butuan were in attendance at the first Catholic mass.

What is the significance of Antonio Pigafita in relation to Magellan's expedition?

Antonio Pigafita was a famous Italian traveler who studied navigation and provided the most complete account of Magellan's expedition in his work 'Primo Villagio Intorno al Mondo'.

What is the alternative location proposed by local historians for the first Catholic mass?

Local historians in Butuan believe that the first site of the Catholic mass took place in Manzawa, now called Masao, not in Misawa.

On what date did Friar Pedro Valderrama celebrate mass with Ferdinand Magellan and his men?

Friar Pedro Valderrama celebrated mass with Ferdinand Magellan and his men on March 31, which was Easter Sunday.

How long did the Spaniards stay in the area after the first mass?

The Spaniards stayed in the area for seven days after the first mass.

What activity did the Spaniards participate in with the local people after the mass?

The Spaniards helped in the rice harvest for two days with more than a hundred of the rahash men.

Why do some believe that Misawa Island was not the site of the first mass?

Some believe Misawa Island was not the site of the first mass because it was not an agricultural area, and the people who attended the mass harvested rice for two days, which Misawa Island could not provide.

What is the historical dispute regarding the name of Misawa Island?

The historical dispute is that there was no island named Misawa in 1521; it was known as Kadingilan Island. The name 'Misawa' only appeared in 1667 according to 'Historia di Mindanao'.

What does Greg Cortezeros, a local historian and president of the Butuan City Heritage Society, claim about the first mass?

Greg Cortezeros claims that the honor of the first mass belongs to the city of Butuan, not in Misawa, and has requested the CBCP to investigate the controversy.

Why is the controversy over the first mass's location still unresolved?

The controversy over the location of the first mass remains unresolved because every history book tells a different story, and there is no consensus on the definitive site.