MANILA (UCAN): The family of late former Philippine president, Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino, said on July 30 that 40 Masses were celebrated around the country to observe the 40th day since his death. The son of people power icons, Benigno Aquino Jr. and [late former president] Corazon Aquino, died aged 61 on June 24 [Sunday Examiner, July 4].
The 40th day since his death fell on August 2.
“We are having 40 Masses … to mark his death. It is to pray for good and honest governance to reign in this country,” said former lawmaker, Bam Aquino, a cousin of the former president, UCAN reported.
Masses in Metro Manila were streamed online due to the reimposition of enhanced community quarantine, which is slated to last until August 20. Elsewhere, Masses were celebrated in person or online depending on the local quarantine situation, GMA News Online reported.
Father Emmanuel Afable of the Diocese of Sorsogon, in the Bicol region, said, “His fight against graft and corruption is Aquino’s greatest legacy to the Filipino people. During our Masses, we will remember him as well as pray for our leaders to continue the reforms he started,” Father Afable said, noting that while there may have been clashes of ideals between Catholic Church teachings and the former president’s policies but his leadership remained “ideal.”
During his presidency Aquino supported the reproductive health law that allowed the poor access to artificial contraceptives.
“There were differences of opinion with the Catholic Church here in the Philippines in terms of the laws he supported. Nevertheless, he strived for clean governance,” Father Afable said.
