Introduction of Christianity in the Philippines

A Quincentennial Celebration

On September 20, 1519, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator working for Spain, led the 1st expedition to circumnavigate the globe, via the Pacific Ocean, in search of valuable spices in the Moluccas.

Running out of provisions, they landed in Guam, then the Philippines to find some replenishments.

 

● 3/16/1521 The arrival of the Magellan Expedition in the Philippines, bringing with them the Sword and the Cross. They 1st set foot in Homonhon (Samar) in search of food and fresh water so they could continue on with their voyage to the Moluccas. At the start, they befriended some of the native chiefs who were receptive to the Christian faith that was introduced to them.

 

● 3/31/1521 The First Mass in Limasawa (Southern Leyte) celebrated by Fr. Pedro de Valderrama. It was on an Easter Sunday. Rajah Kolambu of Limasawa and his brother, Rajah Siagu of Butuan, were among those in attendance.

 

● 4/14/1521 The First Baptism in Cebu – From the accounts of Antonio Pigafetta, Magellan’s voyage Chronicler, Fr. Pedro de Valderama baptized about 800 Cebuanos on the very 1st day. These included Rajah Humabon of Cebu and his wife, Humimay. As a baptismal gift, she  received an image of the Santo Nino.

 

● 4/21/1521 Magellan’s Cross planted in Cebu marked the birth of Christianity in the land.

 

● 4/26/1521 The Battle of Mactan - Magellan lost his life in a tragic encounter with the troops of Rajah Lapulapu of Mactan. The expedition left the Philippines on May 1, 1521 under the leadership of Juan Sebastian de Elcano who sailed on to the Moluccas, loaded the hulls with spices, continued to sail west, and finally got back to Spain on board the ship Victoria. This is the only ship, of the original 5, that survived the rough voyage; thus, becoming the 1st ship to circumnavigate the globe.

 

● 1565 The Legaspi Expedition – In February, 1565, forty-four years after the death of Magellan, an expedition coming from Mexico (or New Spain) led by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi reached the Philippines. Among those on board were Fr. Andres de Urdaneta (Spiritual Adviser) and 6 other Augustinian missionaries. Eventually, other religious orders (such as the Franciscans, Jesuits, Dominicans, and Augustinian Recollects) followed for the intensive Christianization process of the islands.

Over the years, through the dedication and heroic sacrifices of other missionaries from around the world, the Christian faith continued to prosper. To date, the Philippines with a population of approximately 110M is the only nation in Asia that is predominantly Christian (92%), of which 86 % are Roman Catholics.

GIFTED TO GIVE is the theme of the quincentennial celebration of Christianity in the Philippines. The Gift of Faith which was handed down from generation to generation greatly influenced the culture, way of life, and attitude of the Filipinos. May we all continue to share this gift to all of God’s people for generations to come. “Without cost you have received, without cost you are to give” (Mt 10:8)