The family of former President Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino affirmed Thursday its complete trust in God’s infinite healing power, as the nation’s first woman president continued to fight her cancer of the colon at the Makati Medical Center.

Movie and TV actress Kris Aquino Yap, a daughter of the former President, said in a statement Thursday night:

“She continues to be a woman of faith, a fighter, a source of hope and inspiration for all of us, not just her family but our entire nation as well.

“Just like she has always taught us by her life's example, we entrust everything to God.” (See full text of statement.)

A healing mass was again held at the Greenbelt 5 chapel in Makati City Thursday, attended by Mrs. Aquino’s relatives and friends, among them former President Joseph Estrada and members of his family.

The overwhelming faith of the people praying for the recovery of Cory Aquino will help heal her, according to the priest who presided over the mass.

Saying Thursday’s liturgy is very apt as the nation witnesses how the former President continues to her fight against colon cancer, Fr. June Sescon of Sto. Nino de Paz Chapel in Greenbelt, equated Aquino to Abraham, whose faith was put to test when God asked him to offer his son’s life as a sacrifice.

Deedee Siytangco, the spokesperson of the Aquino family, said Cory is already in a stable status.

“She is conscious and aware that people are praying here for her. Her family is appreciative of the concern of the people about her health,” she said, adding that Cory is no longer under medical intervention at the Makati Medical Center.

Meanwhile, President Joseph “Erap” Estrada said his family is one with the nation in praying for Cory’s health.

Former House Speaker and Pangasinan Rep. Jose de Venecia, together with wife Gina, were also seen at the novena Mass with Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Aquino’s former Cabinet officials like Justice Magdangal Elma, Justice Flerida Ruth Romero, Odette Ong, Evelyn Dee, and Ching Escaler, among others.

Also expressing concern for the deteriorating health of former President Corazon Aquino, Malacañang Thursday said it is “very seriously praying” for the immediate recovery of country’s “Icon of Democracy.”

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the Palace is “concerned” about the health condition of the former president, who has been battling colon cancer. She was moved from the Intensive Care Unit to a private room in Makati Medical Center.

“All of us are concerned about former President Corazon Aquino…We are really praying very seriously that she may recover because as you know it is very serious illness,” he said in an interview, shortly after the awarding ceremony of this year’s Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.

Ermita, who has served as defense undersecretary during Aquino administration, said, “My family prays for her because you know as former military man, I have served the administration of President Aquino.
It was also during her time, I ran for Congress. I have really that kind of closeness with (her),” he said.

The Palace official said the President is also sending her prayers to Aquino and her family.

“I’m very sure that the immediate members of the (First) family who are also close enough with the former president (are also praying for her recovery),” he said.

Ermita said he will visit Aquino at the “appropriate time.”