The Vatican has granted permission to initiate an investigation into the potential canonization of Niña Ruiz-Abad, a 13-year-old native of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican gave the Diocese of Laoag the permission to investigate Ruiz-Abad's life to determine her candidacy for sainthood.

"Nagagalak ang Diocese of Laoag na ibahagi sa mga tao ang natanggap galing Roma yung nola osta or authorization to begin the process of sainthood ni Niña Ruiz Abad," Rev. Fr. Harvey Vic Naval, spokesperson for the cause of Niña Ruiz-Abad, said.

The beatification and canonization process for Niña will begin on April 7, 2024 at the Saint William's Cathedral in Laoag City where a Mass will be celebrated by the Bishop of the Diocese of Laoag.

At the Santa Monica Parish Church where some devotees of Saint Monica are among those advocating for Niña's sainthood, prayers continue to be offered.

"Syempre, masayang-masaya dahil bukod sa kababayan namin siya, kumare ko pa ‘yung mommy niya… mabait na bata, siya ang pinakamabait sa mga anak ni kumare... ngayon na nalaman ko, ipagdarasal namin yan," Milagrina Navarro, a devotee, said.

Ruiz-Abad passed away in 1993 at the age of 13 due to a cardiac disease. 

Her steadfast devotion to the Eucharist was said to be remarkable. She reportedly used to distribute rosaries, Bibles, prayer books, and other religious items.