Inside the House of Sin

A few days ago, a good friend of mine, Bambi Pabalan told me about an event she and Rev. Fr. Rufino "Jun" Sescon Jr. are organizing. Fr. Jun was the former private secretary of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin. I was a bit embarrassed to interview Fr. Jun because I didn’t know much about the Catholic church. But he provided me interesting facts about Cardinal Sin.

Fr. Jun and I had a quick chat at Villa San Miguel, where the Cardinal stayed for 30 years as Archbishop of Manila. They first told me about the People Power I that took place on Feb. 25, 1986. This proved to be very significant all over the globe because it was a bloodless revolt. I was not even a year old when it happened, so I was not too aware of that.

Of all the forms of violence I’ve seen on TV during the few years I’ve lived here, it was hard for me to believe a peaceful revolution took place exactly 20 years ago because of Cardinal Sin’s great influence. My curiosity about Cardinal Sin grew. I wanted to know more about the man behind all these. I discovered so many books about Cardinal Sin, but it just wasn’t enough for me to really know him personally.

The first room I entered at Villa San Miguel was the "dining hall," where Cardinal Sin sometimes received visitors. This room was where they held meetings with different leaders of the church and the state.

One of the funny things Cardinal Sin did, and for which he was proven right, was the practice of serving atis to visitors. He believed it created less arguments between parties. According to Fr. Jun, Cardinal Sin always made sure he asked that this fruit be served every time he felt his guests were bound to disagree. Cardinal Sin felt they would be too busy chewing on the seeds they would not longer exchange words that can lead to an ugly situation.

Ice cream was also very popular in that room during gatherings. Cardinal Sin believed eating ice cream calms one’s head while discussing serious matters.

But since I was only doing an interview, they served me chocolate cake and juice for the occasion. We all have seen pictures of Cardinal Sin, and he looked just like a prince sitting on his throne. But inside the Villa, or the House of Sin, he usually wears normal clothes. He loved eating dried fish and rice porridge.

What I’m trying to say is, this amazing individual lived his life like any ordinary Filipino although he was more prayerful than the rest of us. But the work he has left us is outstanding and his legacy should be passed on to the next generations.

Fr. Jun explained that for almost eight years now, the Villa San Miguel Community has responded to the needs of our less- fortunate brethren through a variety of social action projects like gift-giving to the poor, free medical and dental missions, scholarship and hospitalization grants. They also provide food for the soul through their annual Binyagang Bayan, Kumpilang Bayan, Kasalang Bayan and Sunday Catechesis for elementary school children, all without cost or contribution on their part.

Fr. Jun adds, "Until now, Sunday afternoons at Villa are kept free because the Cardinal specifically instructed that day exclusively for the poor children in the neighborhood attending the children’s Mass". The work of evangelization continues and is a constant task. Their work has been inspired by Cardinal Sin’s love for the poor and marginalized sector of society. The inspiration continues, even with the Cardinal gone, because it allows people to see Christ in others.

On Feb. 25, Saturday, the VSM Community will hold a charity project called Kape at Pandesal (Isang Coffee Break Para sa Kapwa Tungo Kay Kristo) starting 3:30 p.m. at the VSM Gardens. This charitable endeavor will benefit their social action projects for the rest of the year.

Kape at Pandesal, as its name implies, is a simple get-together that hopes to bring families and friends together for an afternoon of fellowship. It is a fitting tribute to Cardinal Sin, who contributed so much for changes in our country to happen. Special guests have been invited to make the occasion even more meaningful.

That same afternoon, the organizers also plan to launch the Community’s first magazine, Ang Bahay ni Lolo, a tribute to His Eminence’s years at the Villa. It will feature anecdotes, Cardinal Sin’s never-before-published photos at the Villa and short reflections from his former personal secretaries.

Those who wish to share their blessings may contact Emmanuel Manalang at VSM (02)531-7069/ (02) 533-7199.

I hope it all works out for them. Have a blessed Sunday.