First Mass in the Philippines History

Oct 8, 2024

Lecture Notes: The Site of the First Mass in the Philippines

Introduction

  • Discussion topic: Location of the first mass in the Philippines.
  • Controversy: Is it in Li Masawa or Masao?
  • Historical context: First mass celebrated on Philippine soil.

Historical Background

  • Date of First Mass: March 31, 1521 (Easter Sunday).
  • Celebrant: Father Pedro Valderrama, officiated the mass near the shore.
  • Significance: Marked the birth of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines.

Key Accounts

  • Antonio Pigafetta:
    • Documented the mass in his chronicles.
    • Noted that mass was celebrated on Easter Sunday but failed to mention other masses held during the journey.
  • Francisco Albo:
    • Did not mention the first mass but referenced the planting of a cross on a mountaintop.

Ongoing Controversy

  • Current Beliefs:
    • Many historians and the government believe the first mass took place in Li Masawa.
    • Previous belief (up to the 19th century) pointed to Masao as the location.
  • National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP):
    • Concluded that evidence to reverse earlier findings was insufficient.
    • Historical context up to 1543 supports Li Masawa as the site.

Importance of the Event

  • Dr. Antonio Sanchez de Mora emphasized the significance of this mass as a landmark.
  • Primary Sources:
    • 16th-century documents confirmed the Easter Sunday mass at Mazawa.
    • Accounts by survivors and other primary sources categorized into four groups for better understanding.

Impact on Philippine History

  • Significance of Pigafetta’s work:
    • First western description of the peoples and languages in the Philippines.
  • Cultural Heritage:
    • Understanding this event is crucial for the Filipino identity as a predominantly Christian nation.

Conclusion

  • Final Verdict: Evidence leans towards Li Masawa as the site of the first mass, not Masao.
  • Importance of commemoration: Indicates the start of Christianity in the Philippines.
  • Encouragement to study history for cultural understanding and preservation.

Closing

  • Thanked the audience for their attention and participation.