Pope Benedict offers prayers for Cory's healing

MANILA, Philippines - “I remember you in my prayers.”

Pope Benedict XVI sent this message to former President Corazon Aquino, who has been battling stage 4 colon cancer at the Makati Medical Center.

Mrs. Aquino, a devout Catholic, was “deeply consoled” by the Pope’s message, said Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) chairperson and former ambassador to Rome Henrietta de Villa.

De Villa said she delivered the Pope’s letter to Mrs. Aquino last Wednesday afternoon. It was a grandson who read the message to the former president.

Apostolic Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams said Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who is the Pope’s secretary of state, relayed the message through electronic means.

In the missive, the Pope said he is “spiritually close to Mrs. Aquino in her times of suffering.”

“The Holy Father has asked that you be informed that he is remembering you in his prayers. At the same time, he invokes upon you the blessing of Almighty God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in pledge of healing and comfort,” Adams said in the one-page letter.

Pope Benedict XVI reportedly immediately sent his message upon hearing about “the status of her illness.”

The 76-year-old former leader is known for her strong faith and is regarded by many as an icon of democracy.

De Villa said “the Holy Father is being continuously updated on her condition as he offers prayers for her.”

Fr. Catalino Arevalo said Mass at Mrs. Aquno’s bedside Wednesday. Present were Mrs. Aquino’s children Ballsy, Pinky and Viel as well as Pinky’s husband; Makati Rep. Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr. and Mrs. Aquino’s doctor, nurses and security.

“The Mass is her sustaining comfort now. It was such a privilege sharing the Eucharist in her presence. Even in her sick bed looking so incredibly weak, she exuded an aura of a peaceful yet powerful presence – the presence of the simplicity of absolute goodness,” the former ambassador said.

She added, “Even now there seems to be no sacrifice that is so great that she has not offered to God for our country, that she continues to offer to God.”

De Villa said, “It is a singular grace from God that at one beautiful shining moment he gave us a leader who saw the truth, spoke the truth and lived the truth… all because he gave her the unshakable faith that if God is with us who is against us?”

Adams also informed Mrs. Aquino that they at the Apostolic Nunciature in the Philippines are also offering Masses for her.

“Your Excellency, I would also like to promise you (my) continuing prayers… and of the community of the Apostolic Nunciature. Masses are being said here for you. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,” he added.

Last Sunday, Aquino family members said the former leader’s health has deteriorated.

“She is in pain already, so please pray for her so that it could be lessened,” Kris Aquino, her youngest daughter, said. Family members also said Mrs. Aquino has refused all medical intervention, including chemotherapy, and left her fate to God.