Manila Memorial Park, Sucat, Paranaque City
1 August 2012

 

President Benigno S. Aquino III offered a mass to commemorate the third death anniversary of his mother, former President Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino (25 January 1933 – 1 August 2009), at the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque City. He was joined by his sisters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Viel Aquino-Dee, Kris Aquino and other close friends and relatives.

Fr. Catalino Arevalo served as the main celebrant in the one-hour mass from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. together with Fr. Arnold Abelardo, Fr. Manny Domingo and Fr. Joy Tajonera. It was offered to the Immaculate Heart of Mary since the former president passed away on August 1st. Volunteer nuns from the Daughters of Charity Sisters sang the Eucharistic songs.

In Fr. Arevalo’s homily, he paid tribute to the Aquino couple — Tita Cory and former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. – for “their gift of themselves” that gave the power to awaken Filipinos in the 1986 People Power Revolution and thus brought back life to the nation. He added that their heroism signaled a renewal of hope for the Philippines and that these hopes are now turning into reality in the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Before the mass formally ended, Ms. Kris Aquino gave a message on behalf of the Aquino family. She said that although it’s been three years since the passing away of their mother, it still feels like yesterday and that her family still misses the former president. She is certain, though, that her mother would be proud to see that her only son is doing a very good job as President of the Republic.

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