MANILA - During the funeral mass for former President Cory Aquino at the Manila Cathedral on Wednesday, Catholic symbolisms and rituals abound.

The sprinkling of water on Mrs. Aquino's coffin simulated her baptism. "When we were welcomed into Catholicism, we were sprinkled with water. We are reliving that baptism," explained Fr. Aris Sison to ABS-CBN News Channel.

Aris is the parish priest of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary in West Triangle, Quezon City, where Mrs. Aquino frequently heard mass.

Surrounding her coffin with incense as the priests and bishops circled it, symbolized that prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven, Aris added. The incense also recreates the ambiance of heaven, as described in the Bible, according to the misallette distributed during the mass.

These were followed by the changing of the Philippine flag draped on top of her coffin with white cloth. The priest told anchors at ANC that nuns close to Mrs. Aquino gave the white cloth, with gold thread sewn into it, on Tuesday.

The white cloth again represented one's attire during his or her Catholic baptism rites. "During baptism, the baby is dressed in white," Aris said.

Draping the coffin with white also symbolized one's return to God without sin, the priest said.

The white cloth was also supposed to remind the audience that all are equal in God's eyes, "whatever our position or condition in life is," Aris said.

On top of the white cloth, a crucifix was laid. Aris said this was the same crucifix used during the funeral mass of Cardinal Sin, who was influential in Cory's faith, struggles, and political decisions.

The crucifix also symbolized Jesus Christ's victory over sin and death. The Paschal candle, positioned beside the coffin, represented life "because Cory is already with the Lord," Aris said. The candle is supposed to light the way of Cory towards her reunion with God, the priest explained.

Together with the crucifix was a gospel book.

Fr. Catalino Arevalo, the spiritual adiviser ni Cory, gave the homily afterwards.