An ailing Cardinal Sin celebrates 50th anniversary as a priest

Published: 2004-04-06

MANILA, Philippines (CNS) -- An ailing Cardinal Jaime Sin, the retired archbishop of Manila, celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest during an April 3 Mass in the Manila cathedral. The cardinal sat on a chair attached to a platform that was wheeled down the cathedral's main aisle so he could lead the Mass. At the altar, Cardinal Sin was transferred to a wheelchair, where he remained throughout the Mass, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. The cardinal was unable to read a prepared message, which recounted some of the milestones of his ministry. During the liturgy, an assistant held the text for the cardinal to read. Another assistant tried to prompt the cardinal to speak. Cardinal Sin is "not well physically," said Auxiliary Bishop Socrates Villegas of Manila at the start of the homily at the Mass. Bishop Villegas served as the cardinal's secretary for 16 years before becoming a bishop in 2001.

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