Tuesday, August 4, 2009

You Will Always Be Remembered


• “Your victory, Cory is a Marian victory. It is the victory of the Marian Year.”
• Cory was described by her children as a loving and nurturing mother. She’s no extra-ordinary mom at home, as a matter of fact; she did what a typical mom does. • Despite Marcos mockery to her that “she is just a woman whose place was in the bedroom,” Cory gave voice and strength to the disfigured image of women during Marcos time.
Paalam sa inyo! This was the phrase she uttered when she bade goodbye to the Filipino people during her last State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July 1992. Today, seventeen years after, the grief-stricken Filipino people once again said, “Paalam sa iyo” –Former President Maria Corazon “Cory” Aquino.

“You will always be remembered.”

Mrs. Aquino who died of cardiopulmonary arrest for complications of colon cancer at the age of 76 on August 1 will be remembered today as a woman, mother, hero and a devout Catholic Christian.

Her strength and character epitomized the Filipino woman of the new century. Her appeal to the emotions yet managed to remain resolute in implementing orders gained for her the nature of being a formidable one.

During her lifetime, even if she wasn’t actively involved in politics and governance, Mrs. Aquino is usually seen in public discussions, rallies and demonstrations proving her egalitarian character.

Indeed, Mrs. Aquino remained a moral force in Philippine politics up to the very end. She did continue to help preserve the country's democracy even in her deathbed. Her magnanimous remarks as a woman leader eventually opened the doors for better opportunities to more women in government functions and empowered the women society.

Despite Marcos mockery to her that “she is just a woman whose place was in the bedroom,” Cory gave voice and strength to the disfigured image of women during Marcos time.

AS A MOTHER

A self-proclaimed plain housewife, Cory never dared to imagine or dream of becoming the highest leader of the land.

For Cory, raising her family and becoming a supportive wife to her late husband Ninoy Aquino who was in the realm of politics at those times was more than enough.

She even gave up her law studies at the Far Eastern University in 1954 to be at the side of Ninoy as a fan to her political career.

Cory was described by her children as a loving and nurturing mother. She’s no extra-ordinary mom at home, as a matter of fact; she did what a typical mom does.

Like any other responsible mother, she gave so much weight on the significance of education.

For her, “education should come as first priority among her children.” She also never failed to raise her children as devout Catholics.

AS A HERO

Mrs. Aquino’s notable work for the restoration of democratic processes in the country made her internationally known.

She was even branded as “a true icon of democracy” and a “hero of non-violent revolution.”

The death of Ninoy on August 21, 1983, became a focal point for Cory to pursue not her personal political interest but to advance the cause of many people, who at that time were already opposed to the more than 26 years of political dynasty and abuses committed by the Marcos regime.

Cory, who had no political experience, emerged as a valiant leader for the Filipino people. She courageously took the power in order to make a difference and to regain what has been lost for 26 years -the spirit of democracy.

She championed the restoration of democratic processes. Despite threat, she came out in the open as she led her husband’s funeral rites, where more than two million people were estimated to have participated, and the biggest funeral ever in Philippine history.

Her participation in the many mass actions that were staged in the two years following the assassination of her husband and her ten-hour meditation at a Catholic convent prompted her to take the cudgel to run and eventually became the president of the country.

AS A CHRISTIAN

One of the famous statements attributed to Cory was that of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin when he said on the feast of the Sacred Heart on June 6, 1986 at the Manila Cathedral Basilica, “Cory Aquino, who by the witness and example of her own deep faith, courage and trust, in the Holy Mother of the Lord, led the Filipino people to new hope, in their search for freedom, justice and peace.”

Even prior to her presidency, Cory sought refuge in prayers and daily masses especially during those times when her husband was in detention.

Her child-like confidence and devotion to the Blessed Mother by her fervent recitation of the rosary proved her of being a Marian devotee.

Ninoy and she are true blooded Marian devotees.

No doubt that after the proclamation of Pres. Aquino, Cardinal Sin told her daringly; “Your victory, Cory is a Marian victory. It is the victory of the Marian Year.”

When Aquino was sworn in as the seventh president of the country, it was also the feast of the Our Lady of Victory of Constantinople.

“So, from the Immaculate Heart of Mary we have received the gift of the victory of Marian Year in the person of President Maria Corazon Aquino,” the late Cardinal Sin said.

Cory Aquino also died on the first Saturday of the month of August this year, a day intended for the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Truly, the late Pope Pius XII and St. Augustine were right in saying, “what we consider as human coincidences are often planned out in heaven to increase our faith as we witness the unfolding of events according to God’s loving designs for His people.” (Mark S. Ventura w/ dcherald’s research from 1985 Marian Year Book)

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