A foundation dedicated to former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and his wife, former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, will hold nightly online novena Masses for the repose of the soul of the couple’s son, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who died on June 24.
Rapa Lopa, president and executive director of Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF), said the online Masses would be streamed live via the NCAF Facebook page every 6:30 p.m. until Friday, July 2.
“Let us celebrate the life of P-Noy, his work and advocacy, and our continued love for our democracy and freedom,” said Lopa who added that Aquino “would have wanted us to continue praying together for our country and people.”
The 61-year-old Aquino, the country’s 15th president, was declared dead at 6:30 a.m. on June 24 due to renal disease secondary to diabetes.
His cremated remains were interred two days later beside his parents at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.
Shortly after his body was cremated, the surviving members of the Aquino family began the traditional novena Mass at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.
The NCAF-hosted online Masses, however, would be a separate novena for those who want to remember Aquino.
NCAF is a nonprofit organization that seeks to honor the memory and legacies of Ninoy and Cory, who are considered icons of democracy for their role in toppling a dictator, former President Ferdinand Marcos.
The foundation also manages the Aquino Center and Museum in Tarlac.