Jaime Sin

Jaime Sin, born on August 31, 1928, in New Washington, Aklan, was a prominent Filipino Catholic prelate who served as the 30th Archbishop of Manila from 1974 until his retirement in 2003. His ecclesiastical journey began in the Diocese of Capiz, where he was ordained as a priest, and he later became the Archbishop of Jaro. Sin's elevation to the rank of cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1976 marked a significant milestone in his religious career.

Sin rose to national prominence during the martial law era under President Ferdinand Marcos. Initially, he adopted a conciliatory approach towards the government; however, his stance shifted as he became increasingly critical of the Marcos administration. This change was particularly evident following a military raid on the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches, which galvanized his resolve to speak out against injustices.

One of Sin's most notable contributions to Philippine history was his pivotal role in the 1986 People Power Revolution. He famously broadcast a radio appeal urging civilians to gather along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in support of military defectors opposing Marcos. His influence did not wane after this event, as he also called for action during the Second EDSA Revolution in 2001, demanding the resignation of President Joseph Estrada.

Beyond his political activism, Sin was dedicated to various charitable initiatives. He assisted Trappist monks in acquiring land for their monastery, established the Domus Mariae Foundation for social housing, and founded the Lorenzo Mission Institute and Lorenzo Ruiz Mission Society to train seminarians and priests serving Chinese Filipinos. His commitment to social justice and community service was evident throughout his ministry.

Sin's legacy includes hosting Pope John Paul II during his pastoral visits to the Philippines in 1981 and 1995, the latter coinciding with World Youth Day. He retired as Archbishop of Manila on September 15, 2003, and passed away on June 21, 2005, at the age of seventy-six, receiving state honors for his contributions to the Church and society.