DID YOU KNOW: First Mass in PH was in 1521

The officially recognized first Mass in the Philippines was celebrated on Limasawa Island in 1521.

It was officiated by Fr. Pedro de Valderama and attended by Kolambu, Siagu, Ferdinand Magellan and their men.

In 1965, the national government commissioned National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco to create a painting of the first Mass to commemorate the Christianization of the Philippines.

The painting is currently displayed at the National Art Gallery of the National Museum of the Philippines. —Marielle Medina