NARRATIVE REPORT: The Site of the First Mass

The First Holy Mass is widely considered to be the event that marked

the beginning of Christianity on Philippine territory. However, for many

decades, some Filipinos, including professionals in education, history,

religion, and other fields, have exchange thoughts on the specific place

of the 'First Mass' on Easter Sunday with both Butuan City and

Limasawa claiming to be the place of this meaningful religious

ceremony. The first documented catholic mass in the Philippines was

held on march 31, 1521 easter sunday, lead 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'.

Mazaua is widely believed by many historians and the government to

be limasawa off the tip of southern Leyte.

Not until the 19th century the prevailing belief was that the first mass

was held in Butuan. Their belief that the first mass was instead held at

Masao, Butuan.

The mass's location was the topic of controversy. Initially, it was

considered on the island of Limasawa, in the province of Leyte. Still,

some historians argue that a mistranslation caused the misconception

and that the correct location should be Butuan where the Golden Tara

was also discovered. The matter was repeatedly contested due to

extensive misstatement of the specific site. This was also because of

the different historical claims and evidences, sources, and documents

presented including Ferdinand Magellan's journey, Antonio Pigafetta's

narratives and legazpi.

Other claims regarding the site of the first mass is the Bolinao, where it

is believed by many Pangasinenses to have celebrated the first mass in

Pangasinan around 1324 that would have predated the mass held in

1521 by Ferdinand Magellan.

The Homonhon, a position paper submitted by the chancellor of the

Diocese of Borongan, stated that the Magellan expedition reached the

shores of Homonhon on March 16, 1521 and remained for eight days,

which coincided two sundays and the Holy week.

Submitted by: BSED- English 1

Llana Asijan

Jessel Amaro

Submitted to: Esthone J. Pedoy