NEWSFLASH

CARDINAL SIN TURNS 74, HINTS AT RETIREMENT

Manila, September 1, 2002 (STAR) By Sandy Araneta - Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin has made two birthday wishes: He hinted that he might retire early and asked for "more honesty" in government.

"I’m already 74 years old. So, I should already retire," Sin declared Friday night in front of more than 1,000 well-wishers who trooped to the Archbishop’s Palace in Villa San Miguel in Mandaluyong on the eve of his birthday. A Vatican policy urges a bishop to retire at 75.

Sin’s statement on good government indicated that despite his age, he is still a moral force to reckon with in Philippine politics. He does not hold political office, but he was instrumental in the ascent of two women leaders to power through dramatic ways.

Sin has always used his great influence on Philippine society to denounce government policies that the Catholic Church considers immoral.

Recently, he has been remarkably less visible as he is known to be suffering health problems.

Meanwhile, a source at the Archbishop’s Palace said he overheard Sin telling Finance Secretary Jose Isidro Camacho that "more honesty" in government was needed, prompting Camacho to say, "We are doing our best."

The Arroyo administration and the Catholic Church have a "good relationship," presidential adviser on ecclesiastical affairs Conrado Limcaoco said in an interview at Villa San Miguel.

Sin was serenaded by the 35-member Grand Choir of the Archdiocese of Manila.

Yesterday, lunch was served at his residence to mark the celebrations.

Brother Mike Velarde, founder and leader of El Shaddai, believed to be the biggest and most influential "charismatic" movement in the country, visited the Cardinal and told him of his wish to continuously guide his group.

Upon the retirement of Sin, the Archdiocese of Manila is expected to be divided into five independent diocese, unless Pope John Paul II assigns a new archbishop to head the archdiocese.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Socrates Villegas, spokesman for Sin, said it was "unethical" for him to comment on the Cardinal’s retirement.

The retirement of a bishop or an extension of his term is subject to approval by the Pope upon recommendation of the country’s bishops’ conference.

Sin is expected to stay in a retirement house he has set up for retired priests near the Loreto Church in Sampaloc, Manila. It was opened only last week.

Limcaoco, one of the government officials who visited Sin on Friday, said President Arroyo was a "listening president." He said the President was not present during the Friday gathering because she had already greeted Sin during the launching of the Cardinal’s Cup at Wack-Wack golf course in Mandaluyong City, to which the government made a "substantial donation."

Limcaoco said the President gave Sin a birthday cake.

He said the President "knows" the Catholic Church’s position on the death penalty, alluding to Sin’s statement calling for its abolition in the country.

As to population control program, Limcaoco said the President supports natural family planning method.

Sin was born Jaime Lachica Sin on Aug. 31, 1928 in Panay, He is one of the 16 children of Filipina Maxima Reyes and Chinese Juan Sin.

In 1954, he was ordained priest where he initially served in small remote areas.

Pope John Paul II made him a cardinal in 1976 and archbishop of Jaro, Iloilo.

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Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi