Cartagena invites public to attend Mass for Cory's recovery
A healing mass for former president Corazon Aquino will be sponsored by lawyer Dan Cartagena at the Mandurriao Parish church this coming Friday, July 17, 5:30 p.m.
Cartagena said Mandurriao Parish priest Fr. Esperidion “Boy” Celiz will celebrate the Mass for Mrs. Aquino's recovery.
The former president is confined at the Makati Medical Center because of colon cancer.
Cartagena invites the public to attend the Mass and offer prayers for the ailing former president.
Cartagena, who is very vocal about social issues, said Mrs. Aquino is considered a symbol of democracy, an icon that brought change to our country at a time when Filipinos almost got lost under the Marcos dictatorship.
“President Aquino's administration was not perfect, it had flaws, but I believe in her sincerity,” said Cartagena, adding “she was not greedy, in 1992 where she could have sought reelection she opted to give way to other aspirants.”
“During her presidency Cory risked her life and even that of her family, maybe as Filipinos it is just proper that we should repay her for her sacrifices for our nation by praying for her recovery,” Cartagena said.
“She needs our prayers,” Cartagena added.
Meanwhile, last Friday President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her Cabinet also offered Mass in Malacañang for former president Aquino.
Aquino's spokeswoman Deedee Sytangco said she was very thankful of Malacañang for offering the Mass despite its political rift with the ailing former president.
On the other hand, seventeen years after she stepped down from office, Mrs. Aquino continues to enjoy the trust of the majority of Filipinos, a recent survey of independent research firm Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.
According to SWS' February 20-23, 2009 survey, 3 out of every 5 adult Filipinos have much trust in former president Aquino compared to only 21% who said they have little trust in Aquino. She currently enjoys a net trust rating of +38.
Aquino rose to the presidency in 1986 after the EDSA People Power revolt that toppled the Marcos dictatorship. She stepped down after her term in 1992 but remained a popular figure in Philippine politics.
Aquino's health has deteriorated recently after being diagnosed with colon cancer.