Knights Mourn Death of Cardinal Sin

Statement of Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson on the death of His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin, retired Archbishop of Manila.

We join with Pope Benedict XVI in mourning the passing of Cardinal Sin, and share in the Holy Father's expression of gratitude for the Cardinal's "unfailing commitment to the spread of the Gospel and to the promotion of the dignity, common good and national unity of the people of the Philippines."

Cardinal Sin was a courageous man, leading the faithful of the Philippines through difficult times. Although he is often remembered for his role in the “People Power” movement that ended the Marcos era and restored democracy to the Philippines, he should be remembered most fondly for his holiness and his determination to preserve family values in the face of an increasingly secular and permissive culture.

We are proud that Cardinal Sin was a brother Knight and longtime member of Council 1000 in Manila, the Mother Council of the Philippines. He served as State Chaplain from 1993 to 2003. In 1982, he attended the Order’s Centennial Convention, and delivered the homily at a Mass in honor of Our Lady. He concluded his message with "an embrace of the heart and a blessing: 'God be with you always in your companionship. And may Our Blessed Lady be ever at your side.' "

Knights and families throughout the world are united in prayer with our brother Knights in the Philippines for the happy repose of his soul. We thank God for sharing the gift of Cardinal Sin with us, as we celebrate his priesthood of more than 50 years in the name of all whose lives he touched.