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Laoag Bishop Pushes For Sainthood Of 13-Year Old Filipina Who Passed Away
File photo of Niña Ruiz-Abad. Diocese Of Laoag / CBCP News
A diocese in northern Philippines has commenced an arduous journey to honor the memory of Niña Ruiz-Abad, a young girl who may become one of the youngest saints in history. Diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at the tender age of 10, Niña's life was tragically cut short when she succumbed to the incurable heart disease at just 13 years old. However, her profound faith in God and acts of charity left an indelible mark on those she touched.
Niña was deeply devoted to the Eucharist and dedicated her life to distributing religious items like rosaries, Bibles, prayer books, and holy images. She was easily recognizable by her habit of wearing a rosary around her neck and always dressing in white.
Bishop Renato Mayugba of Laoag recounted how Niña displayed unusual behaviors and acts of evangelization at such a young age, which sparked interest in opening the sainthood cause for her. At the recent plenary assembly of the Diocese of Kalibo, Bishop Mayugba presented a request to initiate the process, despite the usual requirement of waiting five years after a person's death.
The process of sainthood involves formal investigations into the candidate's life and the collection of witness testimonies, which can be a lengthy procedure. If the necessary approval is granted by Rome, Niña may be considered for beatification and eventual canonization.
Niña's upbringing was marked by the tragic loss of her father at an early age, but she excelled in her studies and was known for her strong faith and reverence for God. She tragically passed away due to a heart attack at school in August 1993 and was buried in her hometown of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.
Typically, the sainthood process commences in the diocese where the candidate died. However, in Niña's case, Bishop Mayugba obtained approval to transfer the "forum of competence" to the Laoag diocese, a move endorsed by the Vatican Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
Bishop Mayugba believes that Niña's virtuous character and unwavering faith can serve as a powerful role model for today's youth, guiding them towards a better Christian life.
More than three decades after her passing, Niña Ruiz-Abad's memory continues to live on among those who knew her. She is remembered as the girl who always wore a rosary, who loved to pray, and who deeply cherished her relationship with God.
As the formal investigation into Niña's life and virtues begins, many hope that her story will inspire others and lead her on the path to sainthood—a beacon of piety and fortitude for generations to come.
Niña was deeply devoted to the Eucharist and dedicated her life to distributing religious items like rosaries, Bibles, prayer books, and holy images. She was easily recognizable by her habit of wearing a rosary around her neck and always dressing in white.
Bishop Renato Mayugba of Laoag recounted how Niña displayed unusual behaviors and acts of evangelization at such a young age, which sparked interest in opening the sainthood cause for her. At the recent plenary assembly of the Diocese of Kalibo, Bishop Mayugba presented a request to initiate the process, despite the usual requirement of waiting five years after a person's death.
The process of sainthood involves formal investigations into the candidate's life and the collection of witness testimonies, which can be a lengthy procedure. If the necessary approval is granted by Rome, Niña may be considered for beatification and eventual canonization.
Niña's upbringing was marked by the tragic loss of her father at an early age, but she excelled in her studies and was known for her strong faith and reverence for God. She tragically passed away due to a heart attack at school in August 1993 and was buried in her hometown of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.
Typically, the sainthood process commences in the diocese where the candidate died. However, in Niña's case, Bishop Mayugba obtained approval to transfer the "forum of competence" to the Laoag diocese, a move endorsed by the Vatican Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
Bishop Mayugba believes that Niña's virtuous character and unwavering faith can serve as a powerful role model for today's youth, guiding them towards a better Christian life.
More than three decades after her passing, Niña Ruiz-Abad's memory continues to live on among those who knew her. She is remembered as the girl who always wore a rosary, who loved to pray, and who deeply cherished her relationship with God.
As the formal investigation into Niña's life and virtues begins, many hope that her story will inspire others and lead her on the path to sainthood—a beacon of piety and fortitude for generations to come.
Jul 20, 2023
