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This case study examines the historical debate over the location of the first Catholic mass in the Philippines, traditionally believed to be in Butuan. Through a historiographical analysis of primary sources, particularly accounts from Francisco Albo and Antonio Pigafetta, evidence increasingly supports Limasawa (Mazaua) as the actual site. The study highlights the significance of careful interpretation of historical evidence in reshaping our understanding of the past.

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Alfred Balanasag
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13 views3 pages

Untitled Document-6

This case study examines the historical debate over the location of the first Catholic mass in the Philippines, traditionally believed to be in Butuan. Through a historiographical analysis of primary sources, particularly accounts from Francisco Albo and Antonio Pigafetta, evidence increasingly supports Limasawa (Mazaua) as the actual site. The study highlights the significance of careful interpretation of historical evidence in reshaping our understanding of the past.

Uploaded by

Alfred Balanasag
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Case Study 1: Where Did the First Catholic Mass Take Place in the Philippines?

This case study uses the question of the first Catholic mass in the Philippines not just as a
historical fact, but as a historiographical exercise—to analyze how historical evidence and
interpretation shape our understanding of the past.

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Background and Initial Beliefs:

Butuan was long believed to be the site of the first Catholic mass in the Philippines.

A monument was built in 1872 near the Agusan River, commemorating a mass said to be held
on April 8, 1521.

This belief persisted for three centuries and was based on a simplified reading of primary
sources.

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Historiographical Shift:

Toward the late 19th and early 20th centuries, scholars began re-examining primary sources
more closely.

This closer study questioned the Butuan claim and gave rise to the Limasawa (Mazaua)
hypothesis.

Both Filipino and Spanish historians contributed to this reexamination.

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Main Primary Sources:

1. Francisco Albo – pilot of Magellan’s ship Trinidad, one of the 18 survivors.

2. Antonio Pigafetta – Magellan’s chronicler, whose account Primo viaggio intorno al mondo
(First Voyage Around the World) is more detailed.

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Albo's Account Summary:

March 16, 1521: Saw land (Yunagan), avoided due to shallows.

Anchored in Suluan and then Homonhon (called Gada by Albo).

Traveled to an island called Mazava, located at 9 2/3° N latitude, consistent with Limasawa’s
location.

Planted a cross there and were told of gold-rich islands.

Sailed from Mazava to Matan and Subu (Cebu), after being guided through a roundabout route
due to shallow waters.

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Pigafetta's Detailed Testimony:

March 16, 1521: Sighted Zamal (Samar).

March 17–25: Stayed on Homonhon (Humunu), named the islands Islands of St. Lazarus.

March 25: Departed Homonhon, passed around Leyte and other islands.

March 28 (Holy Thursday): Anchored off Mazaua, exchanged gifts with the native king.

March 29 (Good Friday): Magellan's interpreter confirmed friendship; Pigafetta visited the king’s
village.

March 30: Pigafetta returned to the ship after a feast with the king.

March 31 (Easter Sunday):

Mass was celebrated onshore by a priest with Magellan and around 50 men.

In attendance were the kings of Mazaua and Butuan.

A cross was planted on the highest hill.

April 1–3: Spaniards helped with harvest preparations.

April 4: Departed Mazaua for Cebu.


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Important Argument Against Butuan:

Pigafetta did not mention any river in the site of the mass.

Butuan, however, is located along the Agusan River—a distinct and noticeable geographical
feature.

Jesuit priest Miguel A. Bernad emphasized that such a river would have been too important to
omit if the mass truly took place there.

---

Conclusion:

The close analysis of latitude, sequence of travel, and geographical features in the original
sources strongly supports Limasawa (Mazaua) as the actual site.

This case illustrates the importance of careful interpretation of primary sources in historical
research, and how new readings can challenge long-held beliefs.

---

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