Case Study 1:

Where Did the First

Catholic Mass take
places in the
Philippines?
Primary Source of Albo’s Log

On the 16th of March (1521) as they sailed in the westerly course from ladrones,
they law saw land towards the northwest; but owing to many shallow places
they did not approach it. They found later that its name Yunagan.
They went instead that same day southward to another small Island name
Suluan, and there they anchored. There they saw some canoes but these fled at
Spaniards’ approach. This Island was at 9 and two-thirds degress North
Latitude.
Departing from those two Islands, they sailed westward to an uninhabited
island of “Gada” where took in a supply of wood and water. From the Island
they sailed towards a large Island names Seilani “Ceylon” that was inhabited
and was known to have gold.
Sailing southwards they turned southwest to a small island called “Mazava” ,
the people of mazava there are Spaniards planted a cross upon a mountain-top.
They sailed again towards Seilani, North-westerly direction, they saw three
Islands. They entered a channel between two Island which was called “Matan”
and “Subo”. And anchored at the town of (la villa) subo, where they stayed
many days and obtained provisions and entered into a peace-pact with the local
king.
Town of Subu was on east-west with the island of Suluan and Mazava. But
between Mazava and Subu, there were so many shallows that the boats could
not go westward.
 Primary Source: Pigafetta and Seven
Days in Mazaua

Thursday March 28, they seen a boloto came with eight natives, Magellan threw
some trinkets as present, the native paddle away, but 2 hours later 2 larger
balanghai came. In the afternoon the Spanish ships weighed anchor and came
closer to shore, anchored near native king’s village , This Thursday, March 28
was Thursday in Holy week (Holy Thursday).
Friday, March 29, “Holy Friday” Another exchange of gifts was made. The native
king and his companions returned ashore, bringing with them two members of
Magellan’s expeditions as guest for the night. (One of the two was pigafetta).
Saturday, March 30, Pigafetta and his companion spent previous evening
feasting and drinking with the king and his son, Pigafetta deplored the fact that
although it was Good Friday they had to eat meat.
Sunday, March 31, the last March and Easter day, Magellan sent the priest
ashore to prepare for the mass. Later on Magellan landed with fifty men and
Mass was celebrated, in the afternoon they returned ashore to plant the cross
on the summit of the highest hill, in attendance both at the Mass and the
planting of the cross were the king of Mazaua and king of Butuan. Magellan
asked the two kings to obtain more abundant suplies of food and they choose
from Ceylon, Zubu and Calagan but among the three Zubu was the port with the
most trade. Monday, April 1, Magellan sent men ashore to help with harvest. But
no work was done that day because two kings get drunk.Tuesday, April 2 and
Wednesday, April 3 – Work on the harvest during the next two days.Thursday,
April 4 – They leave Mazaua, bound for Cebu.
 My own analysis about the site
of the First Catholic Mass in the
Philippines.
This island is surrounded by lovely white beaches and calm clear water and
can be easily reached from Southern Leyte. It is well known to hold the first
Catholic mass in the Philippines on Easter Sunday March 31 1521. To reach
the site one needs to climb 400 steps. Upon reaching the top you won’t be
disappointed as there are breath taking views to be seen.
According to the 2010 census this small island has a population of only 5,835
inhabitants, making it the smallest municipality in the province,
On the boat trip from Southern Leyte you may be lucky enough to see whale
sharks or dolphins. We only saw dolphins upon returning back to Southern
Leyte.

There is a controversy regarding the site of the first Mass ever celebrated on
Philippine soil.Pigafetta tells us that it was Held on Easter Sunday,the 31stof
March 1521, on an island called"Mazaua". Two native chieftains were in
attendance: the rajah of Mazaua and the rajah of Butuan. After the
Mass the crowd went up a little hill and planted a wooden cross upon its
summit. The subject of controversy is the identity of this place which
Pigafetta calls"Mazaua," There are two conflicting claims as to its
identity: one school of thought points to the little island south of Leyte
which in the maps is called Limasawa; the other school rejects that claim
and points instead to the beach called Masao at the mouth of the Agusan
River innorthernMindanao, near what was then the village (now the city) of
Butuan. But in summary, I believe that Limasawa is the location of the first
mass in the Philippines. It is because there are lots of evidences that support
so.
 FRANCISCAN COLLEGE OF THE IMMACULATE
CONCEPTION
BAYBAY CITY LEYTE

Case Study 1: Where Did the

First Catholic Mass take
places in the Philippines?

SUBMITTED BY: Angelica Sotto

SUBMITTED TO: Bienvenida Bactasa