The leadership of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday urged the faithful to pray for the health of cancer-stricken former President Corazon Aquino.

“Let us pray for our former president Mrs. Cory Aquino. As our prayers accompanied her during her presidency, so we pray for her in her serious ailment that endangers her life,” CBCP president, Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, said over Church-run Radio Veritas 846 Friday.

He said prayer is the least that Filipinos could do for the person who helped restore democracy in the Philippines.

“Cory Aquino became the instrument of God and the people in restoring democracy in the country. And so, as Cory Aquino offered her services for the good of our country during her presidency, now Cory is offering her pain for the good of our country during her time of sickness,” said Lagdameo.

Lagdameo said he is hoping that the people will not let the democracy fought for by Aquino to die easily.

“We hope we will not lose it again, this democracy, under the present administration,” Lagdameo said.

The 76-year-old Aquino is confined at the Makati Medical Center after losing her appetite last week due to the fluid build-up in her stomach.

In 2008, the widow of former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. was diagnosed with colon cancer.

According to a statement issued by the family through the office of Rep. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III at around 5:30 p.m., the family thanked all those who have showed their support for the former president.

They also maintained their request for privacy.

In a related development, those who wish to show their support may do so by visiting a website: www.coryaquino.ph.

The 9-day Novena and mass for the healing of Mrs. Aquino continued yesterday at the Greenbelt chapel.

Organizers of the Novena welcome everyone who wanted to join but said politicians will not be allowed to speak during the mass to maintain its solemnity.