From the CBCP News:

Church prays for Cory’s recovery

MANILA, July 2, 2009—The religious sector joined the family of former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino, who is suffering from cancer, in praying that everything turns fine for her.

Aquino is undergoing a difficult time in her illness and Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said the church is one with the people in praying for her “full and quick recovery”.

“Let us remain hopeful and faithful to God. He will never ever leave us,” he said.

A church-based media organization also called on the faithful to offer prayers for Aquino’s complete recovery, amid reports that she was in serious condition.

The former president is a devout Catholic “in thoughts, words and deeds,” the Catholic Media Network (CMN) said in a statement.

“At this critical moment of her life fighting against cancer, we enjoin the Filipino people to offer prayers for her,” the Catholic Media Network (CMN) said.

“The CMN will offer prayers for her and also the members of her family as we journey with them in faith during this painful moment in their life,” it added.

The group described the 76-year-old Aquino as an icon in the history of Philippine democracy.

“She was the key to the restoration of democracy in our country. She stood through the years as a beacon of hope as we struggled to create a better Philippines,” CMN said.

Aquino was admitted to hospital last week and is being fed intravenously after reportedly showing signs of poor nutrition.

She had been hospitalized from March to May while undergoing chemotherapy. (Roy Lagarde)