by Crisdeniele H. Clemente

The Catholic Church in the Philippines has set in motion the long process of beatification and canonization for Niña Ruiz Abad, a 13-year-old girl from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, who attended the Mariano Marcos State University Laboratory Schools. Abad, who succumbed to an incurable heart disease in 1993, was known for her deep faith, devotion, and acts of charity, leaving an indelible mark on her community.

Based on news from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and the young girl’s published biography, Abad is said to have demonstrated a unique connection with her faith from a young age. Her teachers noticed her exceptional devotion, as she spent considerable time in prayer and meditation. Her mantra in everything she did, be it when participating in school activities or when she is asked for advice by her friends: God first.

In church, she could often be seen kneeling with her arms raised, her eyes closed, and seemingly in deep conversation with God. A Catholic priest from a parish Abad attended recalls: “She was very prim and proper, always dressed in immaculate white, silent but always ready to give her innocuous smile to everyone. She loved the Eucharist, was very much focused, and spent more time in prayer than children of her age.”

Alongside her devotion, Abad was recognized for her acts of charity. She was always ready to share what she had, lend a listening ear to anyone in need, and even demonstrated kindness towards those who bullied her. Such acts made her a Christian role model in the eyes of her peers.

Abad's test of faith came when she was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the fourth grade. Despite the challenges of her illness, she offered her sufferings to God, staying fully absorbed in prayer. Many were inspired by her courage and unwavering devotion during such a difficult period.

Abad was born and spent her early years in Quezon City. Their family moved to Sarrat in 1988, following the reassignment of her mother, a lawyer. She graduated at the top of her class from the MMSU Laboratory Elementary School in Laoag City before starting high school also in MMSU. In June 1993, following another change in her mother's work location, Abad's family returned to Quezon City, where she attended the School of the Holy Spirit. A few months after, she had a fatal heart attack.

The cause for Abad's sainthood, presented by Laoag Bishop Renato Mayugba during the 126th plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), was recently approved. If canonized, Abad's life will serve as a model for the nearly 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, exemplifying the sanctity in the lives of ordinary people. Her story of unyielding faith and charity amidst personal trials forms part of a broader effort to recognize modern-day Filipino saints. (HLY, StratCom)