First Mass in the Philippines

First Mass in the Philippines
Location of Limasawa
DateMarch 31, 1521 (Easter Sunday)
LocationLimasawa, 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]

  1. ^ Valencia, Linda B. "Limasawa: Site of the First Mass". Philippines News Agency. Ops.gov.ph. Archived from the original on October 15, 2007. Retrieved November 12, 2007.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Lacuata 2020 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Bernad (2002)
  4. ^ "Limasawa First Mass Not a 'Hoax' – Experts". CBCP News. June 8, 2014. Archived from the original on April 16, 2016.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  5. ^ Reyes, Ronald O. (August 20, 2020). "Controversy over Site of Celebration of Philippines' First Catholic Mass Resolved". Licas News. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  6. ^ Mayol, Ador Vincent; Gabieta, Joey (August 21, 2020). "Limasawa, Not Butuan, Affirmed As Site of First Mass in PH". Inquirer.net.