First Mass in the Philippines

First Mass in the Philippines

Location of Limasawa
Date	March 31, 1521 (Easter Sunday)
Location	Limasawa, Southern Leyte

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 along the shores of what was referred to in the journals of Antonio Pigafetta as "Mazaua".

Today, this site is widely believed by many historians and the government to be Limasawa off the tip of Southern Leyte,^[1][2] However, until at least the 19th century, the prevailing belief was that the first mass was held in Butuan.^[3] This belief is maintained by some, who assert that the first mass was instead held at Masao, Butuan.^[4]

To end the conflict for the issue about the first mass, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) panel adapted the recommendation^[5] and unanimously agreed that the evidence and arguments presented by the pro-Butuan advocates are not sufficient and convincing enough to warrant the repeal or reversal of the ruling on the case by the National Historical Institute (the NHCP's forerunner). It is further strengthened by the evidence that it was only after 22 years, in 1543—when a Spanish expedition led by Ruy López de Villalobos landed in Mindanao.^[6]