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LIMASAWA, Southern Leyte — On March 31, 1521, or 504 years ago, the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines was celebrated on this island in what stands as one of the most pivotal moments in Philippine history that marked the beginning of Christianity's profound influence in Southeast Asia.
FIRST MASS IN PH Maasin Bishop Precioso Cantillas is shown here presiding the Pontifical Concelebrated Mass to mark the 504th First Mass in the Philippines held at the National Shrine of the First Mass in Barangay Magallanes, Limasawa, Southern Leyte, on March 31, 2025. PHOTO BY NESTOR L. ABREMATEA
Maasin Bishop Precioso Cantillas, together with Catarman Bishop Nolly Buco, officiated a Mass to mark the 504th First Mass anniversary concelebrated by around 50 priests at the National Shrine of the First Mass in Barangay Magallanes, Limasawa Island.
Bishop Cantillas said around 5,000 pilgrims from 50 parishes of the Diocese of Maasin attended the Mass with the Lights Festival held on the eve of the celebration.
Cantillas said the First Mass on Limasawa Island on March 31, 1521, opened the Christianization of our country.
"The First Mass opened the lights of our country that we now enjoy today," said Bishop Cantillas in his homily.
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Cantillas said that Sen. Imee Marcos, who attended the Mass, and his late father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., were present when the place where the cross was planted on the hill was declared a national shrine 50 years ago. The senator was only 15 years old then.
Gov. Damian Mercado, Vice Gov. Rosa Amelia Mercado, former DPWH secretary and Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado, Board Member Virgilio Mortera, Limasawa Mayor Pedro Petracorta, Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) President and CEO Oliver Butalid, PNOC Director Joel Caminade, Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio of the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan, Samar, DILG Southern Leyte Director Danny Laguitan, military officers and local officials graced the Mass celebration.
