HK's Catholics honour 'great leader' Cardinal Sin

The late Philippine Cardinal Jaime Sin was a shining example to Asians because he was a 'great leader' of his people, the head of Hong Kong's Catholic Church said yesterday.

Bishop Joseph Zen Ze-kiun led 14 priests in a memorial Mass for Cardinal Sin who died of multiple organ failure last week, aged 76. 'We all admire the concerns of the late Cardinal Sin for his people. He came out courageously to lead them, risking his life,' he said in an 11-minute homily.

About 1,300 faithful packed the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Caine Road in Mid-Levels, where Bishop Zen led the hour-long Mass in front of a large portrait of a smiling, youthful-looking Cardinal Sin that was bedecked with white roses and lilies of the valley. The Mass ended with the choir singing Heal Our Land. Bishop Zen said Cardinal Sin, who was from Fujian , had a special bond with the mainland, where his visits 'brought hope to all people in China'.