Beatification Process for 13-Year-Old Filipino Niña Ruiz Abad Officially Begins

The Diocese of Laoag has commenced the formal process for the beatification and canonization of Niña Ruiz Abad, a 13-year-old girl revered for her profound spirituality.

On April 7, coinciding with Divine Mercy Sunday, a diocesan tribunal gathered at St. William the Hermit Cathedral to begin evaluating the life and virtues of Ruiz-Abad, who is now officially recognized as a “Servant of God.”

“Indeed, Nina’s life as a prayerful life was full of reverence, worship, and intimate relationship with God,” said Fr. Dennis Duene Ruiz, the postulator for her cause.

The young Filipina’s cause has captured the attention of Catholics worldwide following the Vatican’s “nihil obstat” approval in March 2024, allowing the cause to proceed. This approval means the Church recognizes the significance of her life and virtues.

Ruiz-Abad’s legacy is now inspiring many, especially youth, to live a life rooted in prayer and devotion. Despite her young age and suffering from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, she was known for her dedication to the Eucharist and acts of charity.

Her life story, as Fr. Ruiz emphasized, shows the power of faith and the potential for sanctity among the laity.

“The short, but well-lived life of Niña Ruiz-Abad is reminding us … we have to deepen our faith, devotion, and intimate relationship with the holy Triune God,” Fr. Ruiz said.

Photo credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons