EIGHTEEN years since his death, the family home of Jaime Cardinal Sin in New Washington, Aklan will be converted into a museum.
Fr. Justy More, head of the Historical, Research, Cultural Council of the Diocese of Kalibo, made the announcement on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) News.
“The diocese aims to preserve the memory of Cardinal Sin, and educate future generations about his life and teachings,” said More.
The project will be supported by the Serviam Foundation, which acts as the property’s custodian.
“We encouraged them (Kalibo Diocese) to make use of the house for their cultural heritage purposes,” said Serviam Foundation representative Msgr. Rolando dela Cruz.
Aside from the memorabilia of the former Manila archbishop, the museum will also include a collection of ecclesiastical artifacts and archival materials of the Kalibo Diocese.
“We aim to provide visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the significant historical events and tangible heritage that shaped the Diocese of Kalibo’s remarkable journey of faith,” said More.
The transformation project was formally launched after the Diocese of Kalibo and Serviam Foundation signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.
The MOA signing came after a mass for Sin’s 95th birth anniversary was held at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.
Aside from being a driving force of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, Sin played a major role in the historic and peaceful 1986 People Power Revolution, which ended the rule of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and paved the way for Corazon Aquino’s rule as the country’s first woman president.
The cardinal was also instrumental in the 2001 Edsa Revolution that installed Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as president, replacing Joseph Estrada. (HDT)