Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Fides Service) - Thousands continue to visit Manila Cathedral to pay homage to the late Archbishop emeritus of the capital Cardinal Jaime Sin who died on 21 June. In the cathedral grieving Catholics pray as they file past the body of the Cardinal lying in state. Archbishop of Manila and leader of the Church in the Philippines for more than 30 years, the Cardinal was dearly loved and admired both at home and abroad.
Civil and religious authorities will attend the funeral tomorrow June 28. The president of the Philippines Gloria Arroyo has confirmed her presence with a number of government representatives. Besides the Catholic prelates of the Philippines, bishops many from other countries will attend the requiem Mass as well as leaders of other religious communities. Large numbers of people are expected to fill the cathedral and the cathedral square.
“In him we have lost both a brother and a friend” said the Bishops of the Philippines through the president of the Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao. “He was a great man, a great Filipino and a great Prince of the Church. We are grieved at his death, but we rejoice because he has entered eternal life”.
At his own request Cardinal Sin will be buried in the Cathedral crypt alongside the tombs of two of his predecessors former archbishops of Manila, Archbishop Reyes and Cardinal Santos. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 27/6/2005; righe 23, parole 246)
