“Life is good when you’re happy and life is better when you make others happy. But life is at its best when God is happy and pleased because of you!”   ---- Heidi Kahn

The novena masses for “Tita Cory” at the Greenbelt Park organized by Margie Juico and supported by the Bigay Puso Ladies like Teena Sarino, Madeleine Lim, Amb. Mercy Tuazon, co-workers Odette Ong, Marivic del Rosario, Mayor Fred Lim, friends Elvira Chan, Glenda Barretto, Dinky Soliman, Gina de Venecia, et. al, were  over but a series of masses for her is starting at the Rockwell chapel this week everyday at 5:30 pm.

Many other groups like the seventeen barangays in Makati, as requested by Mayor Jojo Binay, have also been having their own masses and centering prayers, even those not necessarily Catholics.

The energetic community serving the Greenbelt chapel of the Sto. Nino of Peace deserves our sincere gratitude for their wholehearted cooperation and support. Their chaplain is Fr. Jun Sescon. We must also thank Nardy Diploma, whose late wife Fannie, had the foresight to build the circular for the “working class” of the financial district.

If I had a book for people to sign in, prominent names would be her cabinet secretaries like Senator Nene Pimentel, former Senator Frank Drilon, Cesar Sarino, Popoy Juico, Jesus Estanislao, Joe Concepcion, Fulgencio Factoran Jr., Justice Adolf Azcuna, Cong. Teddy Boy Locsin, Cayetano Paderanga Jr., Amb. Ramon del Rosario, Flor Estuar, Pete Prado, Jose de Jesus, Gem Carague, Chito Sobrepena, Amb. Miguel Perez Rubio, Oscar Orbos, who came with wife Rose when his brother Fr. Jerry celebrated the mass, Cong. Ed Zialcita (PEA chief then), her chief of staff Gen. Loven Abadia, Gen. Ramon Montano, Amb. Voltz Gazmin, her trustworthy PSG commander all throughout her term, and of course the ever faithful Mayor Fred Lim who completed the nine-days! I also spotted her official food taster, “Custer.” (Yes, presidents do have food tasters!)

Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte came with councilor Joseph Juico on the sixth day. He had wonderful words for the dear friend of his late wife, Star publisher and founder Betty Go Belmonte. The St. Scholastica nuns came in full force one day and other days, there were other religious in the chapel.

I have been receiving so many text messages of support for her and my phone has been groaning “OVERLOAD!”, and if you visit her website, the messages of support are fantastic! Thank you Philippines, thank you Filipinos overseas! You remember... you are grateful, and you appreciate this Icon of Democracy and a model of what the power of grace and prayer can achieve.

Margie and I have truly been overwhelmed (to the point of “taranta”) how to respond to the enthusiasm of the mass-goers and we beg the indulgence of people close to her especially those who served in her administration for not formally “inviting” them to the masses. We really did not send out formal invitations. Those who attended the nine-day novena, came for the “love of Tita Cory” and not because they were “anti” this or that. And we picked offerors and readers at random from those who were there.

Of the homilies, my favorites are those of Lipa archbishop Ramon Arguelles who likened Tita Cory to a prophet. He called her a “prophet” as he said the Lord was speaking to us through her as she suffered the disease, and, healer Fr. Fernando Suarez who declared her “The holiest woman I ever met. Why, she is holier than me!”

Fr. Suarez spoke of her generosity and detachment from materials things and her absolute faith and trust in the Almighty…

He had met her when she was still healthy and when she was already stricken with cancer. On both occasions, Fr. Suarez was deeply moved by her grace and faith.

Twelve year old blind girl Fatima Soriano, who is sought after by those who believe that the young girl is blessed with a visionary and healing touch, also offered her prayers and an inspirational, reassuring message for her friend, Tita Cory at Fr. Jerry’s mass. She said that Mama Mary was always with her.
***
Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ, her long-time spiritual adviser, said mass for her last First Friday and Sunday and on both occasions she was able to receive Holy Communion.

At press time, Tita Cory remains in stable condition and is conscious, although her inability to eat is still a problem…Let’s keep on praying and storm heaven for a miracle!

I was talking to Mila Magsaysay Valenzue1a, the second daughter of our beloved late President Ramon Magsaysay, and she asked me to express her concern and prayers for “Tita Cory.” Her father was the sponsor at the wedding of Ninoy and Cory and she said, “You know how dearly we love Cory!”

True, and Mrs. Aquino was very fond of her late mother Luz, and the siblings Teresita, Mila or “Aging,” and Jun who became a senator under the “Cory’s Choice” slate. By the way, Jun will not be seeking any post in the coming election, his “Ate Aging” told us.