Filipinos bid farewell to Cardinal Sin

Thousands of Filipinos bid farewell today to the late Roman Catholic Cardinal Jaime Sin, a beloved spiritual leader who helped rally his nation to hold massive pro-democracy protests that ousted two presidents.

Sin’s casket, draped in a Philippine flag, moved slowly in a horse-drawn carriage bedecked with white flowers in the square outside the Manila Cathedral, followed by bishops and a military honour guard.

Police estimated the funeral crowd at about 20,000, some packing the cathedral and others watching on giant TV screens.

Following a funeral Mass, Sin was laid to rest at the Manila Cathedral crypt, where other Philippine bishops are interred.

The cardinal died last Tuesday from complications due to kidney problems and diabetes. He was 76.

Sin, one of Asia’s most prominent religious leaders, was known for his outspoken stance on everything from birth control to poverty, politics and the US-led war in Iraq.

Seen as the moral compass in the overwhelmingly Catholic Philippines, he even once apologised for the church’s alleged neglect of the poor.

“Why did we listen to the voice of Cardinal Sin? The answer is simple: We heard God through his voice,” Bishop Socrates Villegas, Sin’s long-time aide, said in his homily.

“He was our voice,” said Cardinal Ricardo Vidal. “He guided us to where we wanted to go.”

Archbishop Fernando Capalla, head of the powerful Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said Sin left an unfinished task of national reconciliation and unity.

“I came here to see a holy man. He made such an impact on history and I wanted to see firsthand how he influenced so many people,” said Catholic high school student Maria Jose Bucao, 15.

White balloons filled the sun-washed day ahead of the coffin’s entry into the cathedral. A giant white streamer read, “We love Cardinal Sin.”

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who continued to seek Sin’s counsel even after he retired in November 2003, was dressed in black, as was former leader Corazon Aquino. At one point, the cathedral erupted in applause honouring the cardinal.

“We feel like we’ve lost a father,” said Sister Carmella Cabactulan, of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, as she watched the rites from outside the cathedral.

The cardinal is best known for rallying Filipinos to a 1986 “people power” revolt that ousted late strongman Ferdinand Marcos. He also helped lead large street protests that led to the 2001 ouster of ex-President Joseph Estrada over alleged corruption and misrule.

Two years ago, Sin stepped down as head of the Manila archdiocese, which he served for nearly three decades, after reaching the retirement age of 75. Declining health forced him to curtail his appearances, including at the Vatican conclave that chose a new Pope in April.