Jaime Sin was born on August 31, 1928 in the Philippines. He grew up in a large family, with fifteen brothers and sisters. From a young age, he felt called to the priesthood and left his childhood home to study at the St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary.
After years of studying and spiritual formation, Jaime Sin was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 1954. His dedication and passion for serving the Church quickly caught the attention of his superiors, leading to a rapid rise through the ranks of the clergy.
In 1974, Jaime Sin was appointed as the Archbishop of Manila, a position he held for nearly three decades until 2003. During his time as Archbishop, he became a prominent figure in the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines and beyond.
Jaime Sin was known for his conservative beliefs, particularly when it came to issues such as contraception and birth control. In a bold move that garnered international attention, he famously burnt boxes of condoms sent by the government in an effort to prevent the spread of HIV. His actions were rooted in his strong belief that birth control is a sin.
Jaime Sin's legacy as Archbishop of Manila is a complex one. While some remember him for his strong stance on social issues, others criticize him for being too conservative and inflexible in his beliefs. Despite the controversies, he remains a respected figure in the history of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines.
In 2005, Jaime Sin was notably absent from the papal conclave that selected Pope Benedict XVI. His absence was due to illness, marking the end of an era for the influential cardinal.
Throughout his life, Jaime Sin remained dedicated to serving his faith and his community. His impact on the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines continues to be felt to this day, with his legacy living on through the countless lives he touched during his time as Archbishop of Manila.