Monday, March 31, 2008 Guv to attend healing mass for Cory By Ian Ocampo Flora
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio seems to be heeding Vice Governor Joseller Guiao's call for every Kapampangan's attendance to a non-political healing mass for former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino, who has been diagnosed with a colon cancer.
Last Friday, the priest-turned-governor said he will attend the 2 p.m. mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral here on Monday.
Panlilio reiterated his attendance to the healing mass in a text message sent to Sun.Star last Sunday. "We’ll pray for her (Aquino). I will attend (the mass)," he said, adding that he would also be encouraging his staff and the civil society groups to join the healing mass.
When asked what message he would like to convey to the former President, he answered: "I join the nation in praying for Mrs. Aquino. We'll ask God to strengthen you."
Earlier, Guiao, who organized the healing mass with Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, said everyone is invited to the spiritual activity.
"It's not a partisan activity but a spiritual one that calls out to every Kapampangan to participate as an act of sympathy to a former President and benefactor who's facing a most difficult and trying time in her life," he said.
The healing mass for Aquino is set to bring together people from the political and social levels who will pray for her strength and speedy recovery. The mass is set to be celebrated by Aniceto.
Guiao said former political leaders and allies of his father, the late governor Bren Guiao, will attend the healing mass.
The younger Guiao is an ally of both Mrs. Aquino and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The 75-year-old Aquino is an adopted daughter of Pampanga, given during the term of Guiao's father in recognition of her contributions to the growth and progress of the province.
Pampanga, during the elder Guiao's watch, emerged as the country's leader in industrial growth, surpassing even Cebu.
