Republic of the Philippines
Partido State University
Goa, Camarines Sur
Readings in Philippine history
Baby Lyn P. Castañeda
BSBIO- IB
The first mass in the Philippines
Read about the First Mass in the Philippines and answer the following questions:
1. Give the location and describe the location of the first mass
-The first mass was held in the Philippines during the voyage of Ferdinand Magellan.
Historical accounts indicate that on March 31, 1521, the mass was conducted on two different
places, namely, Limasawa Island in Leyte and the Site of Butuan in what is now Agusan del
Norte Province. However, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines maintains that
Limasawa Island was the official site of the first mass. It was held along the edge of the island,
which is an extremely small hilly and slightly remote part of the Visayan region. The island is
surrounded by a crystal blue sea and flat land. This giant gathering witnessed, as well by
Magellan and his men and the local chief, was celebrated on Easter Sunday, the day that
Christianity began in the Philippines.
2. List down the vents and evidences as to the truthfulness of the data and Information
presented by the sources/ authors
-The information about the first mass that was held in the Philippines was acquired from
the diary of one Antonio Pigafetta, who was an associate of the expedition led by Ferdinand
Magellan. His diary also elaborates on the journey where and how the first mass was celebrated
in the country. Pigafetta was a traveler who described the place and the people there, making his
account very reliable. Apart from the diary of Pigafetta, many historians have read his writings
and found them to be in accordance with the features of Limasawa Island. This island is credited
by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as the official site of the first mass.
Their existence proves that the first mass was indeed held there. Others claim that the mass was
held in Butuan, another place in the Philippines. This belief has been convinced by some old
Spanish documents. Still, there is less evidence that can prove this than of Limasawa. This is
because Pigafetta’s report is very detailed and is supported by historical research.
Republic of the Philippines
Partido State University
Goa, Camarines Sur
3. In your own opinion, which of the separate claims or account is more reliable and
believable where the first mass was conducted in the Philippines. Explain your answer.
-I find the claim more believable that the first mass was said in Limasawa Island. It is
basically because of the fact that Antonio Pigafetta, who has witnessed that time, gave an
account of the details of the mass. The account provided by Pigafetta can be trusted because the
description of the island fits what Limasawa looks like. Also, there is recognition from the
National Historical Commission labeling Limasawa as the site of the first mass, which proves
that there are many historians believing in this notion. Meanwhile, although Butuan can be a
plausible suggestion, there is less evidence proving it. It’s rather difficult to easily accept that the
first mass happened there because, really, there’s not much information about Butuan. Generally
speaking, it is important to note where the first mass was held because that was a marked
moment in Philippine history. That event started the spread of Christianity in the country, which
greatly shaped the Filipino culture and identity. Hence, there is evident proof of the fact that
Limasawa is, in reality, the site of the first mass.
Republic of the Philippines
Partido State University
Goa, Camarines Sur
