CBCP Eyes Sainthood of Ilocano Girl Niña Ruiz-Abad Who Died 3 Decades Ago
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is considering the sainthood of 13-year-old Niña Ruiz-Abad, who died in 1993.
According to the CBCP statement, Abad died of a type of cardiac condition known as “hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,” but in the brief time he lived, he purportedly showed great faith in God, earning him the title of saint.
When Abad was still living, he distributed rosaries, Bibles, prayer books, and other religious items. It is unusual for a young girl to have done deeds to evangelize people during her time, according to Bishop Renato Mayugba of the Diocese of Laoag.
Mayugba added, “Niña’s life was a prayerful life full of reverence, worship and intimate relationship with God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and to the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
Based on the report, Mayugba presented the request to designate Abad a saint to the bishops at the recently finished plenary assembly of the episcopal conference in the Diocese of Kalibo, which the bishops quickly agreed. As a result, the formal inquiry can begin and information on Abad can be obtained, including interviews with others who know him.
Mayugba sees Abad as a role model of “piety and fortitude” for today’s youngsters. The bishop stated that knowing Nia’s character and traits, as well as her strong faith in God, will serve as guidance to the kids in addressing their affairs toward a better Christian life.
“If one asks, ‘Do you know Niña Ruiz Abad?’ The answer would be, ‘That’s the girl who always wore a rosary. The girl who loved to pray. The girl who loves God so much,'” he added.
However, the CBCP stated that it could be some years before Rome makes a judgment on Abad’s beatification and canonization. Abad was born in Quezon City on October 31, 1979, however, his family relocated to Sarrat, Ilocos Norte in April 1988 due to his parents’ employment. When he was three years old, his father died.
Abad completed his first year of high school at the Mariano Marcos State University Laboratory School after graduating from elementary school. Because of his mother’s employment, he went to Holy Spirit in Quezon City in 1993. Abad died as a result of a heart attack on August 16, 1993. He was laid to rest in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, in a public cemetery.
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