The Congregation for the Causes of Saints has granted the necessary permission for the Diocese of Laoag to commence a local inquiry into the reputation and sanctity of 13-year-old Niña Ruiz-Abad.

This was made possible when the Vatican permitted the opening of the sainthood cause, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said on Sunday, March 10.

The official inquiry will begin on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7, at St. William's Cathedral Church in Laoag that will be open for the public to witness.

Bishop Renato Mayugba of Laoag, Ilocos Norte was impressed by Ruiz-Abad's unusual devotion at a young age which is why he started the process of having her declared a saint.  

With the support of the CBCP, he submitted a detailed account in July about her life to the Vatican.

She was known for her deep faith. She loved sharing her faith with others by giving away rosaries, Bibles, and religious items.  

It said she was also known for always wearing a “rosary around her neck and white dresses.”

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/20/13-year-old-filipino-girl-in-the-process-of-sainthood-cbcp 

The bishop further encouraged the faithful to pray for God's guidance as they began this journey to uncover the holiness of Ruiz-Abad, the "Servant of God.”