File photo of Niña Ruiz-Abad. DIOCESE OF LAOAG
By CBCP News
August 21, 2023
Manila, Philippines
A northern Philippine diocese has formally opened the process that could lead to sainthood of a 13-year-old Filipino girl.
The cause of Niña Ruiz-Abad was set in motion by the Diocese of Laoag, the diocese where she spent nearly half of her life and was buried there in 1993.
Bishop Renato Mayugba published an edict last week, asking Catholics to come forward with evidence “of any kind” about the candidate’s life, virtues, and reputation of sanctity.
“…I invite all of the faithful to provide me useful information regarding the said cause,” Mayugba wrote.
The bishop said such information, “whether personal or private”, can be communicated to the diocese.
In July this year, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines agreed to support the introduction of Abad’s cause, helping pave the way for a diocesan inquiry.
“I would like to make the faithful participate in the tedious process of bringing to light the life and virtues of a youth of our time to sainthood,” Mayugba said in a separate circular.
The documentation from the diocesan inquiry will be sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which reviews the gathered information.
If the Vatican approves the local findings, Abad would be declared venerable. The next steps would be beatification and canonization, both require proof of miracles attributed to her intercession.
Mayugba said the girl, who devoted her life to the Eucharist, can become “a fine example” for the young people in a world “preoccupied with worldly things”.
“Having a good model of piety and fortitude for the youth, they can be saved from utter destruction,” the bishop added.
“Knowing Niña’s character and traits and her strong faith in God will serve as a guide to the youth in handling their affairs towards a better Christian life,” he also said.
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