Readings in Philippine History Page 1 of 9

Historic Controversies: Site of First Mass

Topic: HISTORIC CONTROVERSIES: SITE OF FIRST MASS

III. LESSON PROPER

Historical Interpretation
“There could be one past, but many histories”.
History is often viewed as a study of past events, but it's crucial to consider how those events
impact our present. Historian Geoffrey Barraclough defined history as the process of reconstructing
significant past events using limited information, influenced by the interpretations of historians. These
interpretations shape our understanding of the past and form the foundation of historical knowledge.
However, accessing and interpreting primary sources, which are often limited to experts, can be
challenging. Without proper training, non-historians may misinterpret documents due to a lack of context or
historical knowledge, leading to misunderstandings or further problems.
How the past is interpreted depends on who is reading the primary source, when it's being read,
and how it's being understood. For example, a historian in the 21st century might have a different
perspective on a 19th-century event than someone who lived closer to that time. Additionally, the cultural
and social context in which the source is read can influence its interpretation.
History is a constantly evolving field influenced by new evidence and perspectives. It's important to
remember that historical narratives are human constructs and can be interpreted differently. To ensure
accurate understanding, we must critically evaluate primary sources and historical interpretations. This
process can lead to challenges to established beliefs and diverse interpretations of past events.

Multiperspectivity
Multiperspectivity is the idea that historical events can be viewed from many different angles. This
means there are multiple valid ways to see the world, but each perspective is also limited. Historical writing
is often biased and contains preconceived ideas. Historians can make mistakes in their understanding,
descriptions, and interpretations. Using a multiperspectivity approach, we should recognize that historical
interpretations can be inconsistent, contradictory, and often debated.
To fully understand history, we need to consider multiple perspectives. Different sources offer
varying viewpoints, allowing for deeper inquiry and investigation. Contrasting sources can uncover new
truths and strengthen those supported by multiple sources. Various types of sources reveal different
historical aspects, such as official documents and personal memoirs. Historical agents, or individuals
involved in events, create diverse historical narratives, making historical scholarship more valid. By
carefully considering these factors, we can gain a more complex, complete, and richer understanding of the
past.

Case 1: The Site of First Mass

Antonio Pigafetta’s Account
Antonio Pigafetta provided one of the most detailed accounts of the expedition, including the
events surrounding the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines. According to Pigafetta, the first Mass was held
on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1521, on an island called "Mazaua".
In Pigafetta’s narrative, he describes the expedition’s arrival at Mazaua, where they were greeted
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by the local chieftains, Rajah Kolambu and Rajah Siaiu. The Mass was celebrated near the shore, officiated
by Father Pedro Valderrama, the fleet's chaplain. After the Mass, Magellan and his men planted a cross on
a hilltop, claiming the islands in the name of King Charles V of Spain.
Francisco Albo’s Account
Francisco Albo, a pilot on Magellan's expedition, also documented his observations and
experiences during the voyage. Albo's account, known as the "Logbook of Francisco Albo," provides a
navigator's perspective and focuses more on the route taken by Magellan’s fleet and the geographical
features of the places they visited. According to Albo, the fleet anchored near an island with three after
passing through several smaller islands.
Albo’s logbook does not explicitly mention the celebration of the Mass itself but does detail the
landing and the interactions with the local people. He records the planting of a cross on a hill, which aligns
with Pigafetta’s account of the Mass. His account describes an island from which three islands could be
seen to the west and southwest.
Martiho de Ayamonte’s Account
Martinho de Ayamonte was a Portuguese sailor who participated in various expeditions in the early
16th century, including voyages following the routes established by Magellan’s fleet. While not a direct
member of Magellan's crew, Ayamonte is known to have gathered information from various sources,
including survivors of Magellan’s expedition.
Ayamonte's account, often derived from secondary sources and hearsay, indicates that the first
Mass in the Philippines could have been held at a location he referred to as "Mazaua." This name aligns
with the island referred to by Antonio Pigafetta. Ayamonte’s account, however, lacks detailed descriptions
and is not specific about the island's geographical details. His mention of "Mazaua" supports the narrative
that it was an island with significant interactions between the natives and Magellan's crew.
Gines de Mafra’s Account
Ginés de Mafra was a Spanish sailor who served under Ferdinand Magellan during the historic
circumnavigation of the globe. He was among the few who returned to Spain with the surviving crew. De
Mafra also participated in a subsequent expedition to the Pacific, which provided him with further
opportunities to recount his experiences.
In his account, Ginés de Mafra explicitly mentions that the first Mass took place on the island of
"Mazaua." De Mafra’s descriptions are crucial because they closely mirror those of Antonio Pigafetta
regarding the geographical features and the presence of local chieftains. He describes "Mazaua" as a
hospitable place with welcoming locals, aligning with Pigafetta's depiction of the first Mass setting. De
Mafra’s account further provides details about the island’s natural resources, which he observed during his
stay.
Maximilianus Transylvanus’ Account
Maximilianus Transylvanus was a courtier and a diplomat in the service of Charles V, Holy Roman
Emperor. After the survivors of Magellan's expedition returned to Spain in 1522, Transylvanus interviewed
them and documented their journey in a letter. Although he was not an eyewitness, his account is valuable
as it compiles direct testimonies from those who were part of the expedition.
In his letter, Transylvanus states that the first Mass took place on an island named "Mazaua." His
account does not provide extensive details about the exact geographical characteristics or the sequence of
events, but it corroborates the narrative that "Mazaua" was an island of significance for the expedition.
Transylvanus focused more on the broader journey and outcomes of the voyage. His work, based on
interviews with crew members, reinforces the consensus among the crew that the Mass occurred on
"Mazaua".
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Limasawa Island Claim Evidences

Latitude and Location:
Limasawa Island is located at approximately 9°56′N 125°04′E in the Southern Leyte province.
Evidence Supporting Limasawa Island:
1. Antonio Pigafetta’s Account:
Antonio Pigafetta, a chronicler on Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition, noted that the first Mass in the
Philippines was held on "Mazaua" (Limasawa) on March 31, 1521, Easter Sunday. Pigafetta described the
island as having a good harbor and being small, which aligns with the current geography of Limasawa.
He provided a detailed narrative of the events, mentioning the participation of local chieftains Rajah
Kolambu and Rajah Siagu, the planting of a cross after the Mass, and the peaceful interactions between
the natives and the Europeans.
2. Geographical Descriptions:
Pigafetta’s descriptions of the island's physical characteristics, such as its size and the presence of
a good harbor, match modern Limasawa. Moreover, Pigafetta described the nearby islands and their
relative positions, which align with the geographical features of the waters around Limasawa.
3. Francisco Albo’s Logbook:
Francisco Albo, a pilot on Magellan’s fleet, provided navigational data that matches the description
of Limasawa. His account mentions anchoring near an island with three hills, which is consistent with
Limasawa’s topography. Although Albo did not specifically mention the Mass, his coordinates and
descriptions of the route are often cited to support Limasawa’s claim.

National Historical Commission of the Philippine’s Argument

The National Historical Institute (NHI), now known as the National Historical Commission of the
Philippines (NHCP), officially recognizes Limasawa Island as the site of the first Catholic Mass in the
Philippines. This conclusion is based on a detailed study of historical accounts, particularly those of Antonio
Pigafetta, the chronicler of Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition, and Francisco Albo, a pilot of the fleet. Here’s
an outline of the NHCP's claim and the supporting evidence:
1. Primary Historical Accounts:
Antonio Pigafetta’s Account: Pigafetta recorded that the first Mass took place on an island called
"Mazaua" on March 31, 1521, Easter Sunday. The description of Mazaua matches the characteristics of
present-day Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte. He detailed the events, noting the presence of local
leaders and the raising of a cross after the Mass, which marked the beginning of Roman Catholicism in the
Philippines.
Francisco Albo’s Logbook: Albo provided navigational data and geographical descriptions that align
with the location of Limasawa. He mentioned the fleet’s anchoring near an island with three hills, consistent
with Limasawa's topography. Although Albo did not explicitly mention the Mass, his route descriptions
reinforce the claim that the Mass occurred there.
2. Geographical and Navigational Evidence:
Matching Descriptions: The geographical descriptions provided by Pigafetta and Albo match the
current location of Limasawa. The island's size, location, and the description of surrounding waters
correspond with the characteristics mentioned in the historical accounts.
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Navigation Routes: The NHCP's examination of the navigational routes taken by Magellan’s fleet,
as described by Albo and other members of the expedition, supports Limasawa as the landing site where
the first Mass was held.
3. Official Recognition and Commemorations:
The NHCP recognizes Limasawa based on comprehensive reviews of these primary sources and
subsequent historical studies. As a result, Limasawa Island is celebrated as the birthplace of Christianity in
the Philippines, and various commemorative markers and monuments have been established on the island.

Butuan Claim
Latitude and Location:
Butuan is located at approximately 8°56′N 125°32′E in the Caraga region of northern Mindanao.
Evidence Supporting Butuan:
1. Local Tradition and Historical Artifacts:
Proponents of the Butuan claim argue that the first Mass was held near the Butuan area based on
local traditions and the discovery of ancient Balanghai boats, which suggest a significant settlement existed
in Butuan during the time of Magellan’s arrival. This thriving community might have been a logical place for
the Spanish to make initial contact.
2. Interpretations of "Mazaua":
Some historians believe "Mazaua" could refer to a place within the Butuan area, particularly
because Pigafetta’s accounts describe interactions with Rajah Siagu, a ruler associated with the Butuan
region. Additionally, certain translations and interpretations of the chronicles suggest that the term
"Mazaua" could be a misspelling or misinterpretation, thus placing the location of the Mass near Butuan.
3. Geographical Challenges to Limasawa:
Critics of the Limasawa claim argue that Pigafetta’s description of the distances and directions from
Cebu does not align perfectly with Limasawa. They suggest that the distances mentioned in the chronicles
make more sense if the location were closer to Butuan, thus supporting the idea that the Mass was held in
Butuan.

Vincent de Jesus’s Argument

Vincent de Jesus is a Filipino historian who argues that the first Mass in the Philippines did not
occur on the island of Limasawa, Leyte, but rather in Masao, Butuan. This claim challenges the more
widely accepted location of Limasawa for several reasons:
1. Historical Sources and Primary Evidence: De Jesus emphasizes that many early sources and
maps, including those based on Antonio Pigafetta's accounts, which are considered primary sources,
mention Mazaua as the site of the first Mass. However, some later sources, including secondary accounts,
point to Butuan. De Jesus and other proponents of the Butuan site argue that there has been confusion and
misinterpretation over the centuries, partly due to the names Mazaua and Masao being phonetically similar.
They argue that Butuan has more historical documentation supporting its claim.
2. Geographical and Toponymic Evidence: De Jesus also points out that the geographical
descriptions provided in early accounts match Butuan better than Limasawa. For instance, some
descriptions include details about the landscape, such as the presence of gold and other resources, which
are more characteristic of Butuan. Furthermore, proponents of the Butuan site argue that the historical
toponymy (the study of place names) aligns better with their claim when interpreting the location names
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used by Pigafetta and other chroniclers

Republic Act No. 2733 (RA 2733)

Republic Act No. 2733, also known as the "Limasawa Law," was enacted on June 19, 1960,
without executive approval. The law officially declares the site in Magallanes, Limasawa Island, in the
Province of Leyte, where the first Mass in the Philippines was held, as a national shrine to commemorate
the birth of Christianity in the Philippines. Here is an outline of the significance of RA 2733:
1. Legislative Declaration: The act formally recognizes Limasawa as the site of the first Catholic
Mass in the country, following the recommendations and findings of historical studies conducted by the
NHI/NHCP.
2. Commemoration and Heritage Preservation: RA 2733 aims to preserve and commemorate
the site as a significant part of Philippine history and heritage. It reflects the importance of Limasawa in the
religious and cultural history of the Philippines.
3. Impact on Historical Disputes: The enactment of RA 2733 has not settled the debate entirely,
as some historians and local advocates, particularly from Butuan, continue to challenge this decision.
However, it remains the official stance of the Philippine government based on historical evidence reviewed
by the NHCP.

Ending the Limasawa Controversy

The article "Ending the Limasawa Controversy" by the National Historical Commission of the
Philippines addresses the longstanding debate over the location of the 1521 Easter Sunday Mass,
traditionally called the "First Mass," which has been a significant historical issue in the Philippines.
1. Controversy Overview: There has been a debate over the actual location of the 1521 Easter
Sunday Mass, with claims pointing to various locations including Butuan City, Masao, Pinamanculan, Baug,
and Limasawa. The Philippine government officially recognizes Limasawa as the site based on historical
evidence and markers.
2. Historical Recognition: Since 1921, Limasawa has been recognized as the site of the event,
following the decisions of several historical panels and markers installed by the National Historical Institute
and its successor, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
3. Historical Panels: Four panels have been constituted to address the controversy (1980 Samuel
Tan Workshop, 1995 Justice Emilio Gancayco Panel, 2008 Benito Legarda Panel, and 2019 Resil Mojares
Panel). All panels have supported Limasawa as the historic site of the Mass.

4. The Term “First Mass”: The NHCP and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP) now prefer the term “Easter Sunday Mass” to avoid confusion with other Christian masses that
may have occurred before 31 March 1521.
5. Historical Evidence and Errors: Historical errors arose from secondary sources, like the 1550
Ramusio edition of Pigafetta’s chronicle, which incorrectly attributed the Mass to Butuan. Primary sources,
including Pigafetta’s chronicles, consistently point to Mazaua, which is identified as Limasawa.
6. Significance of Primary Sources: Primary sources, like Pigafetta’s accounts, are critical in
historical research. Secondary sources and interpretations have been shown to be inaccurate or misleading
regarding the location of the Mass.
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7. Geographical and Historical Analysis: The article discusses the geographical coordinates
mentioned in historical accounts, showing that Limasawa’s coordinates align more closely with those
described by Pigafetta than Butuan. Historical evidence, including maps and testimonies from the 16th
century, supports Limasawa as the more accurate location.
8. Conclusion: The Mojares Panel’s research supports Limasawa as the logical location of
Mazaua, addressing the historical inaccuracies and confirming its significance based on primary sources
and geographical evidence.