Believers gather in Laoag for Niña Ruiz Abad

The St. William Cathedral Church in Laoag City was filled with believers during the opening session of the diocesan tribunal for the proposed beatification and canonization of Niña Ruiz Abad from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

Abad, at the age of 13, was declared by Pope Francis as a 'Servant of God,' marking the first of four steps toward sainthood. 

Her devoutness and strong devotion to the church, until her passing on August 16, 1993, due to a heart ailment, led to the recognition.

The church said that the process before Abad can be declared a saint is lengthy, including the verification of any miracles attributed to her. However, they continue to pray fervently.

“Nakita natin ang daming dumalo and we are praying and hoping na siya na nga ang gusto din ni Lord na magkaroon tayo ng, by God's grace and by God's own time, hopefully, new saint… [pero] hindi pa tayo nakakasiguro, nagdarasal pa rin tayo kasi isa palang ang [nadaanan sa] proseso,” Rev. Fr. Renato Mayugba, the Bishop of Laoag, said.

This is a great honor for Abad’s family, especially her mother, who remembers her daughter as a kind and prayerful child. She was often seen wearing white and adorned with a rosary.

"My gratitude to God for choosing me as the mother of Niña, who just became the servant of God…” Atty. Corazon Ruiz Abad, the mother, said.

Abad’s remains rest at the Sta. Monica Church in Sarrat, which has now become a pilgrimage site. — GMA Regional TV News