Faithful gather in Limasawa to commemorate the historic first Easter Mass in the Philippines, renewing their mission as a people of faith and hope.
By Fr Mark Robin Destura RCJ “Amidst sin, our sins, His mercy prevails. That is the light, that is what we celebrate, the love and mercy of the Lord that continues until now,” said Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas, SDB, DD, the Bishop of the Diocese of Maasin, during the celebration of the anniversary mass held in Limasawa. The Catholic Church in the Philippines marked the 505th anniversary of the First Easter Mass in Limasawa with a solemn celebration on March 31, bringing together pilgrims, clergy, and local communities in a moment of thanksgiving and renewal. The celebration took place in Limasawa, the historic site where the first Easter Mass in the country was believed to have been celebrated in 1521 by Fr. Pedro Valderrama, the chaplain of the expedition of Ferdinand Magelllan, a milestone that marked the beginning or birth of Christianity in the archipelago. A celebration of faith and history The anniversary celebration was part of a series of activities that included pilgrimages, youth gatherings, Eucharistic adoration, and cultural events leading up to the main liturgical celebration. These activities highlighted not only the historical significance of Limasawa but also its continuing role as a place of faith and pilgrimage. The annual commemoration serves as a reminder of the roots of Christianity in the Philippines, where the Gospel was first proclaimed more than five centuries ago. Faith as mission In his homily, Bishop Cantillas emphasized that faith is not only a personal experience but a mission entrusted to every believer. “Every family has a mission,” he said, calling on the faithful to recognize their responsibility in living and sharing the Gospel. He encouraged families and communities to see their daily lives as part of God’s mission, where faith is expressed through service, sacrifice, and commitment to others. Perseverance in faith Reflecting on the challenges of Christian life, the bishop acknowledged that faith is often tested by difficulties, doubts, and failures. “Sometimes, we can say that in our response to God’s call we get tired… sometimes there is no result,” he said, pointing to the struggles that believers encounter in their journey. Yet he reminded the faithful that perseverance remains essential, assuring them that their efforts are not in vain. Learning from the past Bishop Cantillas also reflected on the long history of Christianity in the Philippines, recalling the witness of saints and martyrs who remained faithful despite trials. He cited the example of Lorenzo Ruiz, who chose to remain faithful to Christ even in the face of death. He reflected on the Gospel accounts of betrayal and denial, reminding believers that faith is not perfect but constantly tested. “Our faith being Catholic is not complete, not perfect. It is tempted and tested,” he said, calling for humility and conversion. At the same time, he emphasized that God’s mercy remains constant, even in human weakness. Continuing the mission As the Church commemorates more than five centuries of Christianity in the Philippines, the celebration in Limasawa stands as a reminder of the enduring mission of the faithful. From its humble beginnings, the faith has grown and continues to shape the lives of millions of Filipinos. Highlighting the fact that the anniversary celebration is an affirmation that the story of Limasawa is not only a historical memory but a living mission, Bishop Cantillas said, “Limasawa is not only a place for tourism or promotion, beyond 'Discover Limasawa,' we must also discover God’s plan for Limasawa.”