EDITORIAL - Dakay simply did not get the point

We find Cebu City Mayor Tomas’ decision to scrap a Mass for late President Corazon Aquino at the Carmelites Monastery a sad move. Not only are we feeling sad about the decision, we also feel sad because the mayor gave in to an irrational comment by a Church official.

Yes, the move to cancel what would have been Cebuanos' show of last respects to the former president was a wrong decision. That Carmelites Monastery Mass would have been a fitting end to Cebuanos’ grief over the passing of a great leader who had been kind to them all throughout her command.

The Mass has long been prepared. In fact, part of the plan was to invite some members of the Aquino family. Osmeña wanted it to be memorable as ever, knowing how Cebuanos loved the late president.

But an absurd comment from Cebu Archdiocese spokesman Monsignor Achilles Dakay shattered the plan. Piqued by the monsignor’s statement describing the Mass as only for “political gimmick,” Osmeña immediately scrapped the plan.

While we respect the mayor’s decision to cancel the Mass, we just can’t find any logic in Dakay’s statement that it is no longer necessary to hold one at the Carmelites Monastery as various Catholic churches have already held masses for the former president.

To be sure, it is but natural for Catholic churches across the archipelago to hold masses for Aquino being a former president who had made the faith the pillar of her leadership. After all, she had been a perfect example of a Catholic devotee who had lived a life of simplicity and goodness.   

Instead of criticizing Osmeña’s plan of a Mass for Aquino, Dakay should have encouraged Cebuano parishioners to attend it. He should have even encouraged more Church participation in its preparations.

It’s really unavoidable if politicians will flood the Mass because it is open to all regardless of their political colors. The good monsignor should remember that Aquino was once the country’s leader and Filipinos from all walks of life should embrace the spirit of unity in paying tribute to her.   

Lastly, Dakay simply did not get the point. The fact that Osmeña chose the Carmelites Monastery as venue for the Mass was not only meant to pay last respects to the late president but also to give importance to Cebuanos’ contribution to Aquino’s safety at the height of the EDSA Revolution.