Historical Importance: Marks the beginning of the church's history in the Philippines.
Context of 1521
Pope Leo X and Martin Luther:
Pope Leo X excommunicated Martin Luther.
The Protestant Reformation was spreading throughout Northern Europe.
Spain and Portugal:
Moors were conquering territories in Southern Spain and Portugal.
The chaos in Europe led to the necessity of evangelization in the East.
Journey to the Philippines
Divine Providence:
The chaos in Europe is viewed as a divine gift that facilitated the spread of Christianity to the Philippines.
Missionaries crossed the Pacific Ocean, reaching Latin America before arriving in the Philippines.
The First Mass
Celebrant: Father Pedro de Balterama
Significance of the Mass:
This was the first time the physical and sacramental presence of Jesus became alive in the Philippines.
The celebration represented the universal redemption of Jesus, which occurred 2000 years ago in Israel, being realized in the Philippines.
The site of the first mass became the birthplace of Christianity in the country, marking an important spiritual milestone for the Filipino people.
Conclusion
The first holy mass is a cherished gift and is fundamental to the Christian faith in the Philippines, symbolizing the arrival of Christianity and the presence of God in the land.