It was my second quiet day on Limasawa Island, part of my yearly unplugged birthday trip. The sun shone brightly as I prepared for my visit to the Limasawa Magellan Shrine. My habalhabal ride arrived early, and I was ready for another day of exploration.
History of the Limasawa Magellan Shrine
Limasawa Island stretches like a narrow ridge of land off Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte. Known for its beaches and dive sites, it also holds great historical value. Here, Magellan’s crew celebrated the first mass in the Philippines in March 1521, making the Limasawa Magellan Shrine a vital landmark of faith and history.
Visiting the Shrine and the Hilltop Cross
From Dapdap Resort, the Limasawa Magellan Shrine was only a short 10-minute ride. The park looked clean and well kept, with gardens lining the walkway to the chapel. Inside, Sam Galvez, a local guide, shared the story of the First Mass with energy and detail. Paintings and displays brought the story to life.
After donating to the shrine, I began climbing the hundred-plus steps to the cross atop the hill. The concrete path was well maintained, with benches for resting and admiring the sea view. The cool breeze made every stop worthwhile.
Q&A: Visiting the Limasawa Magellan Shrine
Q: Where is the Limasawa Magellan Shrine located?
A: The Limasawa Magellan Shrine is on Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte, Philippines. It’s in Barangay Magallanes, where the first Catholic Mass in the country was held in 1521.
Q: How do I get to the Limasawa Magellan Shrine?
A: From Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, take a pumpboat to Limasawa Island. Then, ride a habalhabal to Barangay Magallanes to reach the National Shrine of the First Mass.
Q: What can I see at the Limasawa Magellan Shrine?
A: You’ll find the historic shrine, several murals, and the hilltop cross that overlooks the sea. The view from the top is peaceful and scenic.
Q: Why is the Limasawa Magellan Shrine historically important?
A: It marks the site of the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines, celebrated by Magellan’s crew in March 1521 — a milestone in Philippine history.
Q: When is the best time to visit the Limasawa Magellan Shrine?
A: February to April offers good weather and coincides with preparations for the annual First Mass commemoration held every March 31.
Q: Is there an entrance fee at the Limasawa Magellan Shrine?
A: Entrance is free, but donations are appreciated to help maintain the shrine and surrounding park area.
Q: What should I bring when visiting the Limasawa Magellan Shrine?
A: Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for climbing the steps to the cross. A camera is a must for the views at the summit.
At the Summit of the Limasawa Magellan Shrine
At the summit stood a modest cross, part of the Limasawa Magellan Shrine complex. Workers were cleaning the area for the March First Mass celebration. Though the cross stood back from the cliff’s edge, the view and wind created a serene atmosphere perfect for reflection.
Why You Should Visit the Limasawa Magellan Shrine
Visiting the Limasawa Magellan Shrine offers more than a glimpse into history. It’s an encounter with faith, discovery, and the enduring spirit of a small island that shaped the Philippines’ story.
Gettting there
The National Shrine of the First Mass can be reached via habalhabal in Barangay Magallanes, Island of Limasawa, Southern Leyte. The ride is quick and scenic, passing through small coastal communities before reaching the shrine entrance.
Limasawa Island’s historic Magellan Shrine: It was the second day of spending a quite time in Limasawa, part … https://t.co/MyBzLYALOb
Why not visit Limasawa Island, site of the first mass on Philippine soil?
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I am heartened to view the First Catholic Mass Shrine. in Magallanes , Limasawa Island of Southern Leyte. I wish to write in a local Cebu newspaper a short reminder of the commemoration every March 31, can I publish your photos. I have a collections of many March 31 celebrations including that which PGMA had graced. We the Kuizon clan would always go there as our Father Lazaro Manile Kuizon had inherited a good portion of the real property in Magallanes
Masao in Butuan which is the place mentioned in the controversy (advocated by the then Congresswoman of Butuan) cannot be seen at the very site when the expedition of Magellan was entering the Pacific Ocean from Guiuan Samar or from Homonhon Island. The bonfire referred to is from the small island of Limasawa. The Easterly wind was drifting them to the very shore of Magallanes. It is impossible to proceed to Masao because the expedition will be going against the current. swift current due to the proximity of the sea channels from the Panaon Island, still in Southern Leyte, and Surigao channel. Further, the account of Pigafetta in the archive in Spain stated about the breadfruit trees which abound in the place (Magallanes). Even your graphics show the breadfruit trees. The documents about the Pigafetta account and other relevant documents were gathered upon the initiative of the late Bishop of Maasin. he handed the brown envelop to my sister in my presence. Upon the request of the Bishop whose days on earth were numbered, my sister handed it over to the Congressman of the Lone District of Southern Leyte. Soon after, history was re edited to conform with the Philippine law and concurred by the Historical Commission. FYI
Thanx for this info Cleofe!
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