First Mass in the Philippines*

NHCP Photo Collection, 2018

NHCP Photo Collection, 2018

NHCP Photo Collection, 2018
Location: Limasawa Shrine, Southern Leyte (Region VIII)
Category: Sites/Events

Type: Site
Status: 
Level I- National Historical Landmark
Marker date: 1950
Installed by: Philippines Historical Committee (PHC)
Marker text:
FIRST MASS IN THE PHILIPPINES

CELEBRATED HERE ON EASTER SUNDAY, 31 MARCH 1521, WHEN MAGELLAN LANDED ON THIS ISLAND OF LIMASAWA ON HIS VOYAGE AROUND THE WORLD. EARLY IN THE MORNING MAGELLAN SENT ASHORE PRIEST PEDRO DE VALDERAMA WITH MEN TO PREPARE A MASS AND TO INFORM RAJAH KOLAMBU, THROUGH AN INTERPRETER THAT HE AND HIS MEN WOULD LAND TO ATTEND. THE RAJAH SHOWED CONSENT BY SENDING GIFTS. AS MAGELLAN AND HIS MEN APPROACHED THE SHORE A SALVO OF SIX GUNS WAS FIRED AS A SIGN OF PEACE. RAJAHS KOLAMBU AND SI-AGU EACH EMBRACED MAGELLAN FLANKED HIM AND TOGETHER WITH THE SAILORS, THEY MARCHED TO THE PLACE OF WORSHIP. DURING THE MASS THE RAJAHS REMAINED ON THEIR KNEES WITH CLASPED HANDS; AT THE ELEVATION THE SHIPS FIRED ALL THEIR ARTILLERY IN RESPONSE TO MUSKET SIGNAL FROM THE SHORE.


2 comments:

  1. I am Earlan B. Sabuero one of the heirs of Rajah Sia-gu or Rajah Siaui. For almost Twelve (12) Years already we've been holding our Grand Reunions. And in every reunions it was always mentioned in our short history readings that our ancestor was Rajah Sia-gu (Chief Ruler of Mazzava) the brother of Rajah Colambu (Chief Ruler of Butuan). Here's the structure of my Family Tree: 1st Gen: Rajah Sia-gu, 2nd Gen: Datu Sabu, 3rd Gen: Manggubat, 4th Gen: Ignacio Sabuero, 5th Gen: Santiago Sabuero, 6th gen: Pedro Sabuero and I, of the 7th Generation. Up to this time, still our ancestral house stand erect at Guinsiliban, Camiguin. Hence, may I shed light on the conundrums with regards to this part of Philippine History. That the Firts Mass (as the Roman Catholic Church will celebrate it's 500th Year) was held in Guinsilban, Camiguin knowing that our Ancestor is Rajah Sia-gu or Rajah Siaui.

    ReplyDelete
  2. For further explanations please don't hesitate to inform me thru my email address: earl23sabuero@yahoo.com.

    ReplyDelete