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Reflection Paper - First Mass

First Mass Reflection Paper

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recordedlectures3rdyr1stsem
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231 views

Reflection Paper - First Mass

First Mass Reflection Paper

Uploaded by

recordedlectures3rdyr1stsem
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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REFLECTION PAPER: THE SITE OF THE FIRST MASS

Easter Sunday, March 31, 1521, is recognized as the date of the first Catholic Mass
celebrated in the Philippines. This came from Father Pedro de Valderrama's account of
Ferdinand Magellan's circumnavigation of the coast of what Antonio Pigafetta named
"Mazaua.”

Although Antonio Pigafetta wrote a near-complete account of the first mass celebrated
in the Philippines, there is still debate over the precise site of the event. Remarkably,
historians and the government also share the belief that Southern Leyte was not
mentioned during the first mass, which was said in Limasawa. Therefore, until at least
the 19th century, it must have been widely accepted that the first mass was said at
Butuan. Some people believe that the first mass was celebrated in Masao, Butuan, not
Limasawa. However, following that, the National Historical Commission of the
Philippines declared that In fact, pro-Butuan activists' arguments and supporting
documentation fall short of covering and validating every aspect of the first mass
celebrated in Masao, Butuan.

The First Holy Mass, presided over by Father Pedro Valderrama and held on the
island's beaches, marked the beginning of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines. Native
American groups with Ruy Lopez de Villalobos's expedition in 1543, the
archipelago—which had not yet been given the name "Philippines"—had its first Mass
attendance among the Colambu and Siaiu. In addition, Pigafetta was regarded as a
firsthand witness to the main events of the first mass, which Magellan dubbed the
Islands of Saint Lazarus—later to be renamed the Philippine Archipelago. Pigafetta, one
of the eighteen survivors who made it back to Spain safely in the "Vitoria," is the author
of "First Voyage Around the World," the most comprehensive analysis of Magellan's
mission.

In contrast to the proof, Gomez pointed out that Pigafetta omitted certain information
about the trip where the crowds were present, such as when they arrived at the port of
San Julian. Pigafetta wrote about a Palm Sunday ceremony that took place on April 1,
1520, but he never spoke of Easter Sunday when they were traveling west. Pigafetta
did not record the Palm Sunday liturgy; he only documented the Easter Sunday Mass
held upon the armada's arrival in the Philippines. In contrast, Francisco Albo's story
merely talks of the cross being planted on a peak that overlooked three islands to the
southwest and west, from which they were told there was an abundance of gold. It just
does not correspond with the shore of Butuan, where one can only view islands to the
north and not to the south or southwest.

It happened on Limasawa Island in the province of Leyte, which is significant in terms of


our laws. This legal claim has also been contested by a party that asserts Butuan was
the location of the first mass celebrated in the Philippines. Each side provided proof to
back up their claims regarding the subject. Ultimately, it was decided that the first mass
was held in Limasawa. It overcame Butuan's assertion. The reason for this was
because the Limasawa side properly contested, defended, and clarified the information
presented by the Butuan side. The facts presented by the Opposition are also
inconsistent. Examine the differences in Magellan's route, the time period, and the
names and locations spelled differently by the numerous historians who affirm the
Butuan myth.

In conclusion, Limasawa's claim therefore demonstrated strong and substantial proof to


back up their assertions. Ultimately, it was established beyond a shadow of a doubt that
Limasawa was, in fact, the location of the country's first mass.

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