By ZENIT:
Code: ZE05062124
Date: 2005-06-21
Pope Mourns Death of Cardinal Jaime Sin
Philippine Prelate Was Defender of Democracy
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 21, 2005 (
Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI said he was “deeply saddened” by the death of Cardinal Jaime Sin, the retired archbishop of Manila who died at the age of 76.
The Pope relayed his sentiments in a message of sympathy to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Manila, which the Philippine cardinal headed for almost three decades. The archdiocese noted that Cardinal Sin has been described as “patriot and prophet.”
In a telegram to the prelate’s successor, Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales, the Holy Father recalled “with gratitude Cardinal Sin’s unfailing commitment to the spread of the Gospel and to the promotion of the dignity, common good, and national unity of the Philippine people.”
“I join you in praying that God our merciful Father will grant him the reward of his labors and welcome his noble soul into the joy and peace of his eternal Kingdom,” said Benedict XVI. He imparted his apostolic blessing to those gathered in Manila for a Mass for the cardinal’s eternal rest.
According to the Archdiocese of Manila, the cardinal was hospitalized on Sunday and succumbed today to multiple organ failure related to sepsis.
His delicate state of health – he suffered from kidney problems and diabetes – had prevented him from taking part in the conclave that elected Benedict XVI.
With his death, the College of Cardinals now numbers 181 members, including 115 electors.
Evangelizer and pastor
One of 16 siblings, Jaime Lachica Sin was born in New Washington, in the Diocese of Kalibo, on Aug. 31, 1928. He was educated in the faith by his mother, a woman of great religiosity who converted her husband to the Catholic faith before their marriage.
In 1941 he entered the Minor Seminar of St. Vincent Ferrer in Jaro, where he stayed for only a few months as the War of the Pacific and the Japanese occupation of the Philippines forced him to seek refuge with his family in the mountains for three years.
When he returned there as a priest – he was ordained April 3, 1954 – his first pastoral endeavor was to visit each one of the hundreds of small widespread parishes and to inspire vocations for the new St. Pius X Seminary.
At the end of this work, which lasted three years and bore considerable fruit, he was appointed rector of the seminary in 1957. He served there for 10 years as principal, dean of studies, professor and diocesan consultant.
He was consecrated bishop at age 38 on March 18, 1967, and named auxiliary of Jaro and eventually coadjutor with the right of succession. He succeeded the archbishop of Jaro in 1972, when he was 44.
Pope Paul VI named him archbishop of Manila on Jan. 21, 1974, where he pursued his pastoral work courageously despite the dangers and difficulties of the country’s situation. The Pope elevated him to cardinal two years later.
He was the youngest member of the Philippine bishops’ conference, over which he presided from 1977 to 1981.
cont’d. . .