Limasawa SCRPT

The Problem
The first Holy Mass is widely considered to be the event that marked the beginning of Christianity on
Philippine territory which also shaped Filipino identity, and marked the beginning of Spanish
colonization, which had enduring impacts on the Philippines. However, for many decades, some
Filipinos, including professionals in education, history, religion, and other fields, have expressed thoughts
on determining the correct location of the ‘First Mass’ celebrated in the Philippines on Easter Sunday
during Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition. We are presented with two contenders: Limasawa, an island in
Southern Leyte, and Butuan, located in present-day Agusan del Norte. Our task is to assess the primary
and secondary sources to establish where this pivotal event took place.
General stand
And assessing these historical sources, we believe that Limasawa is the accurate location of the first
mass in the Philippines, supported by the records of Antonio Pigafetta and Francisco Albo, the key
eyewitnesses.
Argument 1: Antonio Pigafetta’s Account
Antonio Pigafetta, the chronicler of Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, provides crucial evidence for
locating the first Mass. On March 16, 1521, Magellan’s fleet sighted “Zamal,” a high landmass 300
leagues west of the Mariana Islands. The following day, they anchored at an uninhabited island called
“Homonhon” for the sick crew.
By March 28, the fleet anchored near an island called “Mazaua” after seeing a light the previous night,
which aligns with Holy Thursday. Pigafetta described Mazaua as being 25 leagues from Aquada and
detailed the events of the days that followed. On March 29, Holy Friday, Magellan’s interpreter
requested food supplies, and the native King of Mazaua visited Magellan’s ship. On March 30, Pigafetta
and his companion feasted with the king and his son despite it being Good Friday.
On March 31, Easter Sunday, Magellan celebrated the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines at Mazaua.
After the Mass, a cross was planted on the highest hill, with both the King of Mazaua and the King of
Butuan in attendance. Magellan then inquired about better supply ports and was informed about
Ceylon, Zubu, and Calagan, with Zubu being most promising. The King of Mazaua promised to guide
Magellan to Zubu after completing the harvest. The crew assisted with the harvest starting April 1, but
no work was done on that day, resuming on April 2 and 3. On April 4, the fleet departed Mazaua for
Cebu.
This detailed timeline and the mention of the two kings strongly indicate that Mazaua was indeed
Limasawa, not Butuan. The geographical features and the events described by Pigafetta align with
Limasawa’s location.
Argument 2: Francisco Albo’s Logbook
Francisco Albo’s logbook offers additional corroboration. On their voyage, Albo’s ship rounded the island
of “Panae” (now Panaon Island) and anchored off “Mazaua,” described as being at 9 and two-thirds
degrees North latitude, corresponding closely to Limasawa’s coordinates (9° 54' N). It is notable that
Albo does not mention the first Mass, but only the planting of the cross on a mountain-top from which
three islands to the west and southwest were visible. This description also matches the southern end of
Limasawa. It does not align with the coast of Butuan, from which no islands could be seen to the south
or southwest, only towards the north.
Argument 3: Confirmatory Evidence from the Legazpi Expedition
Lastly, documents from the Legazpi expedition in 1565, forty-four years after Magellan, provide further
evidence. The expedition aimed to visit Mazaua and consulted natives from Cabalian on Leyte. They
navigated around Panae (Panaon Island) and anchored off Mazaua, only to encounter hostility from
locals likely due to past Portuguese raids. The expedition then proceeded to Camiguin, an island visible
from Mazaua, and intended to reach Butuan on Mindanao. However, adverse winds diverted them to
Bohol, and Butuan was reached later by a smaller contingent.
The clear distinction between Mazaua and Butuan confirms that Mazaua, identified as Limasawa, was
accurately described in Magellan’s accounts and maps, reinforcing that Mazaua and Butuan are separate
locations.
In conclusion, the convergence of evidence from Pigafetta’s account, Albo’s logbook, and the Legazpi
expedition strongly supports Limasawa as the site of the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines. This
identification not only clarifies our historical narrative but also honors the significance of this event in
shaping our national identity.

Limasawa SCRPT

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Limasawa SCRPT

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Limasawa SCRPT

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Problem

Argument 1: Antonio Pigafetta’s Account

Argument 2: Francisco Albo’s Logbook

Argument 3: Confirmatory Evidence from the Legazpi Expedition

You might also like