Archbishop Palma to lead Limasawa Mass

ARCHBISHOP Jose Palma of Cebu will lead priests and bishops of four dioceses in a Mass celebrating the 490th First Mass anniversary on Limasawa island in Southern Leyte on March 31, said Bishop Precioso Cantillas of Maasin Diocese.

Bishop Cantillas said the Archbishop Palma will lead participants from the dioceses of Talibon, Tagbilaran, Cebu and Maasin in the launching of the “decade preparation” for the 500 years evangelization of the country.

“I urged the Catholic faithful to attend the celebration to embrace anew our Christian faith and be part of the plenary indulgence,” Bishop Cantillas said.

While questions on where and when the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines was held continue to be debated upon by historians, the National Historical Commission already declared it was held on Limasawa Island on March 31, 1521, an event now annually commemorated on the island.

The island’s port, which has been badly damaged by a typhoon, is undergoing repair and a stage has been constructed in preparation for the anniversary Mass.

Thousands of Catholic faithful and tourists are expected to attend this year’s anniversary.

Report from Inquirer.Net