City Hall offers Mass for Aquino

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is offering a Mass for former President Corazon Aquino in front of the Carmelite Monastery where she sought refuge in 1986.

Osmeña yesterday said the city played a role in restoring the country’s democracy by providing shelter to Aquino when her safety was at risk at the height of the EDSA Revolution.

“I think it is best we have one family member of Aquino come over to attend the Mass in front of the Carmelite monastery and we’ll close the whole San Jose de la Montaña Street,” Osmeña said.

“This is a good celebration not just for her but also for the Cebuanos who want to pay their respects,” he said.

On the other hand, the mayor said he preferred a monument for Aquino and her husband to rise at South Road Properties (SRP) instead of having streets named after them.

“Streets are always taken for granted. I’d rather have a monument, where I will put an eternal flame,” Osmeña said.

At the City Hall yesterday, Rev. Fr. Dave Villaceran celebrated the first Mass for Aquino at the Social Hall attended by officials, their families and employees.

In his homily, Villaceran said everyone should remember the values of Aquino.

“You don’t have to be a Cory to be an icon of democracy, just do simple things,” Villaceran said.

Present during the Mass were first lady Margot Osmeña, Vice Mayor Michael Rama, Councilors Roberto Cabarrubias, Rodrigo Abellanosa, Ritchie Osmeña, Hilario Davide III, Arsenio Pacaña and department heads lead by city administrator Francisco Fernandez.

Margot said she kept the text messages the former president sent to two years ago when she had to consult a doctor in Manila due to a nerve defect.

The text messages include Prayers for the Divine Physician and several encouraging messages.

Another Mass will be celebrated on Friday on the 7th Floor of the Executive Building. The Archdiocese of Cebu will offer a Mass on Thursday to be celebrated by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal. — /LPM   (THE FREEMAN)