8 Questions
On which date is it said that the first Catholic mass in the Philippines was held?
March 31, 1521
Which source provides the account of the possible location of the first Catholic mass in the Philippines?
Antonio Pigafetta's First Voyage Around the World
What is the controversy surrounding the location of the first Catholic mass in the Philippines?
If the mass was held in Masau or Limasawa
Who were the primary participants mentioned in Pigafetta's account of the first mass?
Nine men in a boat and their chief
What items did the local chief and his men present to the captain-general?
Fish, palm wine, bananas, and coconuts
According to Pigafetta, what did the locals use to gather palm wine from the tree?
Bamboo canes
What activity did the captain-general order to take place for the sick men after landing?
Killing of a sow
What indication was there of the all-male group’s satisfaction with their arrival?
They gave signs of joy
Study Notes
Site of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines
- The first Catholic mass in the Philippines was held on March 31, 1521, but there is a controversy about its location.
- Some historians claim that Masau in Butuan city is the real site, while others believe it was celebrated in Limasawa (Southern Leyte).
- According to Antonio Pigafetta's account, on March 16, 1521, they arrived at an island named Samar, which is 300 leagues from the islands of Ladroni.
The Encounter with the Locals
- On March 18, 1521, the captain-general ordered the setting up of two tents on the shore of an uninhabited island for the sick and to get water and rest.
- A boat with nine men arrived, and the captain-general ordered no one to move or speak without his permission.
- The chief of the locals greeted the captain-general, and five of them remained with the visitors, while the others went to get more people who were fishing.
Gifts and Offerings
- The captain-general offered food to the locals and gave them gifts such as red caps, mirrors, combs, bells, ivory, and bocasine.
- In return, the locals presented fish, palm wine (uraca), figs, coconuts, and other food items.
- They also made signs that they would bring more food items, including rice, coconuts, and other articles within four days.
Coconuts and Palm Trees
- Coconuts are the fruit of the palm tree, which is a vital source of food and other essentials for the locals.
- The locals get wine from the palm tree by boring a hole into the heart of the tree, collecting a sweet and tart liquor in bamboo canes.
- They fasten the bamboo canes to the tree overnight and collect the liquor in the morning.
Quiz about the location of the first Catholic mass in the Philippines, a controversy between Masau and Limasawa.
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