A fortnight ago I received email that raised brief but candid questions and frank comments regarding the narratives by two 15th century European writers about the events that transpired when the Spanish Expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan anchored in Mazaua on March 28,1521 and had the first Holy Mass officiated there three days later. What happened at that time was the subject of this column's recently concluded 21-part series on "Getting our Philippine history right after 500 years."
Forum member Miss Mae asked in her email: "I wonder if Maximilianus Translyvanus had asked for Antonio Pigafetta's permission when he wrote a version of the narrative. The problem started with him. He may be a royal courtier and secretary to the king but wasn't verifying one of his responsibilities? This historical mistake must also be included in the profile of Giovanni Battista Ramusio. I have grown up believing that the First Mass happened in Limasawa and a classmate or two of mine were marked wrong because they didn't get the spelling of the place correctly."
Continue reading with one of these options:
Ad-free access
P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
- Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
- Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)