Site of The First Mass

 

Bilog, Kyle Macario 0516 Readings in Philippine History Module 2: Unit 1 Explore:  As instructed earlier, outline the characteristics of the place where the first Catholic Mass was held. Include the place names and pay special attention to the geographical and material context clues.

Table 1. Clues on the location of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines from the Pigafetta and Albo accounts Their plot of course was to head to the archipelago of San Lazaro and according to the navigator it was located at a latitude of 10° and 160° longitude from the demarcation line. Along with the destination of the San Lazaro Archipelago they passed nearby islands of Cenalo, Hiunanghan, Ibusson, and Abarien. Few days, they went to an island called Humunu where they found a two spring landmark which they named the great Watering-place of Good Signs. The slave interpreter from Zamatra can communicate with other natives making Zamatra a waypoint for the location. On Easter Sunday, March 31 marks the First mass on an island called Mazaba, based on the logs and journals of Magellans navigator and chronicler. From Seilani Island they went West Southwest and stopped on an island called Mazaba.

References: Saint Louis University.(2020). Readings in Philippine History  (pp. 24-37). Baguio City. Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TyZDctp7ok9zDpHpFWkL https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TyZDctp7ok9zDpHpFWkL C7DCMaSbEoxk

 

Bilog, Kyle Macario 0516 Readings in Philippine History Elaborate: Now that you have read the arguments of Fr. Amalia, outline the major points he made to uphold the Butuan claim as the site s ite of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines. Write them in the table below.

Table 2. Arguments in favor of Butuan as the Site of the First Philippine Mass The navigator and Antonio’s journal and logs only said the First Mass was carried out on the island of Mazaba never mentioning a place called Limasawa in their logs our journals. Cardinal Sin allowed Fr. Amalia to see the document “Anales Ecclesiasticos de Philipinas 1574-1683.” It said that “The Easter Sunday Mass in 1521 was celebrated by the Chaplain of Magellan in Butuan.” According to Pigafetta, two kings were also present in the First Mass in Butuan, they were Raia Colambu and Raia Siaui. They were the Butuan Brother-Kings. Butuan has a reputation during that time as a well-known trading harbor with gold and other resources as its main trading component, along with the protection and guidance of the Butuan Brother-Kings, Raia Colambu, and Raia Siaui. The Limasawa location was also criticized because of its geographical location, saying it was impossible to conduct trade through port because of its rocky shoreline. The place has no resources worth trading like gold or if any, rice, and there was no evidence of it existing like a kingdom or language, none at all. In a cultural sense, the word “masawa” can only be derived from the language of Tausug in Butanon which was in Butuan, the word means bright light.

References: Saint Louis University.(2020). Readings in Philippine History  (pp. 24-37). Baguio City. Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TyZDctp7ok9zDpHpFWkL https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TyZDctp7ok9zDpHpFWkL C7DCMaSbEoxk

 

Bilog, Kyle Macario 0516 Readings in Philippine History Evaluate:

While the law recognizes the island of Limasawaas the real location of the First Mass in the Philippines, the people of Butuan are still holding on to their claim. Now, examine table 1 and table 2 and reflect on which place really has an assertion of the title. The question now for you to answer is this, if the debate will be resolved, what would be the significance/value to either of these places to finally be declared as the True site of the First Catholic Mass? Write one answer to each of the following: A. Symbolic value of carrying the title “The Site of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines” In a symbolic view, it would mean that that place was chosen by one of God’s workers. It would be revered as a holy site, below the Mecca, Vatican City, and Wailing Wall. Here in the Philippines, it would be preserved as a national heritage due to its contribution and cultural value in sspreading preading Christianity. It has more influence in inviting people to Catholicism than other religions and it can be seen as a conqueror’s flag over a conquered nation through religion. B. Practical value of carrying the title “The Site of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines” Its practical use is the importance and significance of understanding how a Religion can affect a nation’s culture over the years. It can be used to study the history of the geography development of the Philippines and the beginning of a Religion. It serves as a reflection of history, to understand better the people living at that time, their norms, traditions, and system.

References: Saint Louis University.(2020). Readings in Philippine History  (pp. 24-37). Baguio City. Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TyZDctp7ok9zDpHpFWkL https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TyZDctp7ok9zDpHpFWkL C7DCMaSbEoxk