Gearing up for the 492nd anniversary of 1st mass in the Philippines at Limasawa

Preparations are being made for the commemoration of the 492nd Anniversary of the First Mass in the Philippines in the island town of Limasawa, Southern Leyte on March 31, 2013.
History books have it that on a Saturday, March 16, 1521, the ship of Portuguese circumnavigator Ferdinand Magellan,reached Homonhon, Eastern Samar. “The natives seemed to be friendly. Unlike other people who were fearful of white men, the Visayans approached them on their own accord.”
“The natives took their leave and came back with provisions which the Spaniards purchased.”
“After the encounter, Magellan sailed to another island – Limasawa. Through an interpreter, Magellan made known his intention. The Spaniards were welcomed by Rajah Awi, chief of the island. On the island of Limasawa, on March 31, 1521, the first mass was celebrated on Philippine soil.”
“After the mass, from Limasawa the Spaniards sailed to the harbor of Cebu. They were accompanied by Rajah Awi.”
This same story is the storyline of the Sinugdan Festival in Limasawa, which will be presented as soon as the image of Santo Niño de Cebu arrives from Cebu.
The activity, which is a joint undertaking of Southern Leyte and the diocese of Maasin, falls on an Easter Sunday just like 492 years ago, thus, more guest and believers are expected to take part in the celebration, Nedgar Garvez, province officer of Southern Leyte, said.
Both Governor Damian Mercado and Bishop Precioso Cantilla chose to adapt the theme, “Duaw Sto. Niño sa Limasawa: Ang Sinugdan sa Kristiyanismo,” Garvez said.
“We are promoting the importance of the observance of the First Mass in Limasawa especially to the younger generation, the tourism officer said.
For the second year, the Santo Niño de Cebu will make its historic return to the island where Fr. Pedro Valderrama officiated the First Mass.
The Santo Niño de Cebu is said to be the same image given by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana, the wife of King Humabon during his baptism on April 14, 1521 in Cebu City.
The Santo Niño de Cebu Augustinian Social Development Foundation Inc., under the leadership of Augustinian priest Fr.Tito Soquiño, the caretaker of the Holy Image kept in the parish convent of the Santo Niño Basilica, Cebu City.
The image will board the Philippine Navy ship in Cebu City and is expected to arrive at 7 a.m. of Easter Sunday in Barangay Triana, Limasawa. Augustinian priests, and religious and civic groups from Cebu will join the journey.
Meanwhile, the faithful from Maasin diocese will join the fluvial procession going to Limasawa, will depart Maasin port at 5 a.m. and will arrive Triana port at 7 a.m.
From Triana, A foot procession will be conducted towards Barangay Magallanes, the site of the First Mass that marked the first Catholicism of the Philippines.
A festive welcome awaits the Santo Niño and guests. The Sinugdan Festival contingent will perform and a six-gun salute will signal the start of the holy mass to be celebrated by Bishop Precioso Cantillas of the diocese of Maasin.
The commemorative program will follow after the mass with Department of Energy Secretary Jericho “Icot” Petilla as guest speaker.
The Santo Niño de Cebu will be brought to Maasin at 1 p.m. The naval ship will be accompanied by the Maasin delegation in a fluvial parade, Nervez said.
In Maasin City, there will be a procession with the Santo Nino image as the main feature up to the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral.
On April 1, a Holy Mass will be conducted in the different vicariates of the diocese of Maasin. At 5 p.m. a Pontifical Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Cantillas. The image of the Santo Niño and the Cebu delegation will leave for Cebu at 9 p.m.