The priest who celebrated a healing mass for former President Corazon Aquino called on the people to continue to pray not only for the healing of the icon of RP democracy but also for the healing of the nation.

In his homily at the mass organized by the Manila City government at noon, Father Mark Munda said Filipinos thank God for giving them Mra. Aquino who figured prominently in the restoration of democracy in the country.

“If you let the Hands of God to rule our life, the best will be given to us. We thank Lord’s generosity. We should not despair. Let’s continue to pray for healing and fast recovery of Tita Cory because with God, nothing is impossible,” said the priest.

The mass was interrupted with cries and tears after it was announced that the former President has passed away but the “news” that circulated through text messages turned out to be a hoax.

Retired Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna, who served as an Associate Justice of the SC from 2002 to February, 2009, said he was asked to announce the “bad news” since Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim had left before the mass ended.

Azcuna announced the passing away of the former President before the mass ended but the news was immediately corrected by Aquino Appointments Secretary Margie Juico who said the former President is alive and appealed to the public not to speculate.

“The news (turned out be hoax) did not come from me. What I said a while ago, we received news that Tita Cory passed away. You can ask Mrs. Sarino (wife of former Interior secretary Cesar Sarino during Aquino’s time) because she let me read the text message about Tita Cory and asked me to announce it because the family is not here, Mayor Lim is not here,” said the retired SC Associate justice.

He said he did not know who owned the mobile phone that brought the wrong text message.

Azcuna said he was happy that Aquino, who is a former boss, is still alive. “She is excellent president, excellent boss, excellent person,” said Azcuna who served the Aquino administration. “We continue to pray for hearing,” he said.

Sarino, for her part, said they received the text message and the news turned out be a hoax.

The priest even offered prayers for Aquino after the false news was announced. But Juico, who has just arrived from Makati Medical Center, was shocked to hear about the announcement.

Juico immediately announced that Aquino was very much alive. “I talked to her daughter over the phone and she said it is not true. Please verify information before believing. There are a lot of speculations,” said Juico.

Friday’s healing mass was the last of the five healing masses for Aquino at the Manila City Hall.

After the announcement of Juico that Aquino is still alive, many praised God and asked for more prayers for a miracle.