A Call to Prayer The Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation put up a page where the public can post their prayers and express their messages of support for former President Corazon Aquino. “In response to the flood of expressions of concern and support, as well as prayer offerings for President Cory Aquino, we have opened this special section where the public may post messages. The members of her family beg everyone’s understanding of their need for solitude and privacy at this delicate time. Let us all pray that God grant her good health and spare her from pain and suffering." A novena Mass for Mrs. Aquino's recovery will be held every 12:15 p.m. from July 1 to July 9 at the Greenbelt Chapel in Makati City. For more details, visit Mrs. Aquino’s
Web site. MANILA, Philippines - Friends and relatives of former President Corazon Aquino gathered at a chapel in Greenbelt in Makati Wednesday to pray for the speedy recovery of the ailing former Philippine leader. Former Senate President Franklin Drilon, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Deedee Sytangco, wife of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. Gina de Venecia, former Finance secretary Ramon del Rosario, former Agrarian Reform secretary Philip Juico and his wife were among those who attended a novena and healing Mass for Mrs. Aquino. Before the Mass, those who came prayed the Rosary and novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. The cancer-stricken Mrs. Aquino is
confined in an undisclosed medical facility due loss of appetite after undergoing radiation treatment. In a phone interview with GMANews.TV, Drilon said the novena Mass would be held everyday, starting July 1 until next Thursday, July 9. When asked who organized the novena Mass, he said he doesn't know, because he only received a text message informing him of the activity. "I don't really know who organized it but I suggested it to Senator Noynoy (Mrs. Aquino's son Benigno Simeon III) a few days ago in a meeting. Then after that, I received a message about it," Drilon said. He said he has yet to visit Mrs. Aquino in the hospital. "I don't think she would accept... I'm not aware she is allowed to accept visitors," Drilon said.
In a text message, Senator Aquino thanked all those who attended the Mass and those who continue to pray for his mother's healing. He earlier said his mother's appetite had slightly improved from the time she was brought back to the hospital. "May slight improvement sa appetite [There is a slight improvement on her appetite]. No word yet on when she can be released (from the hospital)," was the senator’s reply when GMANews.TV asked about the health condition of his mother. In separate press statements, Senators Manuel Roxas II and Manuel Villar Jr. enjoined the people to offer a prayer for Mrs Aquino. Roxas said the former president "is one of the great leaders I respect and emulate. Mrs. (Aquino) President, please fight on, we need you." Villar said the Filipino people will forever be indebted to President Cory for her significant contribution to the restoration of democracy in the country. "In this time when there are serious threats to our democracy, she remains the icon that our people turn to for hope. He also asked for prayers for the members of her family. "May their unshakeable faith in God strengthen them in this difficult time," Villar said.
In March 2008, Mrs. Aquino’s children disclosed that she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She underwent operation in May 2009 to remove a part of her colon which was affected with cancer. Mrs. Aquino, the country’s first woman president, is the wife of the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., one of the staunchest critics of former President Ferdinand Marcos. She was installed to power in February 1986 following a people-backed military uprising.
- Amita O. Legaspi, GMANews.TV 
GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
