Cardinal Sin house in Aklan now a museum

The ancestral house of late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin in New Washington, Aklan has been converted into a museum and is now open to the public, according to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). 

In a news release, the CBCP said “Museo Kardinal” was inaugurated on August 31 in honor of the 96th birth anniversary of the religious leader who played a key role in the two EDSA revolts in 1986 and 2001. It officially opened to the public on Sunday, September 1. 

Archbishop Victor Bendico of Capiz and Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc of Kalibo led the canonical blessing of the museum.

Museo Kardinal provides intimate glimpses into Cardinal Sin’s early years, including the large dining hall where he ate his favorite Visayan dishes. It also traces his rise from being a simple clergyman in Panay to becoming archbishop of Jaro in Iloilo province.

In 1974, Sin was appointed archbishop of Manila by Pope Paul VI. Two years later, he became the youngest cardinal in the world, at just 48 years old.

He died on June 21, 2005 at the age of 76.

Museo Kardinal has on exhibit important memorabilia such as the bishop’s mitres and pectoral crosses used by Sin. A portion of its first floor was turned into a chapel in honor of St Pope John Paul II, whose two apostolic visits to the Philippines in 1981 and 1995 were hosted by the cardinal.

A coffee-shop and a souvenir shop are also on the first floor.

Fr. Justi More, chancellor of the Kalibo diocese and head of the Museo Kardinal organizing committee, said the museum should bolster the “pride of place” of Aklanons and other Panayenos while strengthening the Catholic faith of all Filipinos.

Museo Kardinal is located in Poblacion, New Washington, Aklan. 

— LA, GMA Integrated News