Niña Ruiz-Abad: A Beacon of Faith and Eucharistic Devotion
Ann Mariya - July 2024
In a world brimming with technological distractions and material pursuits, the life of Niña Ruiz-Abad stands out as a beacon of unwavering faith and devotion, particularly to the Eucharist. This 13-year-old Filipina, whose cause for canonization has recently been initiated, offers an inspiring model of piety and love for Jesus, especially for today's youth.
A Life Steeped in Faith
Born on October 31, 1979, in Quezon City, Philippines, Niña was the daughter of lawyer parents. Despite the early loss of her father when she was just three years old, Niña’s life was profoundly influenced by her mother, a devout Catholic with a deep devotion to divine mercy. Niña’s early education took place at the Child Study Center of the University of the Philippines and later at the Holy Angels Montessori School in Quezon City. Her family eventually moved to Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, where her mother worked for the Department of Justice. Niña continued her studies at Mariano Marcos State University High School in Laoag City.
A Deep Love for the Eucharist
From a young age, Niña exhibited an extraordinary love for the Eucharist. Her devotion extended beyond personal prayer, as she actively evangelized by distributing rosaries, Bibles, prayer books, and holy cards in her neighborhood and at school. Her evangelizing spirit was a testament to her deep relationship with God, which grew more evident as she matured.
Father Danny Pajarillaga, who met Niña in 1993, was struck by her intense love for the Eucharist and her prayerful life. Those who knew her recall her always dressed in white, with a rosary around her neck, embodying a living testimony of piety and religion.
A Faith Tested by Suffering
At the age of ten, Niña was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition she lived with for three years. Despite the severity of her illness, she remained joyful and full of faith. Her life was marked by continuous prayer, adoration, and an intimate relationship with God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On August 16, 1993, Niña suffered cardiac arrest at school and was rushed to the hospital, where she passed away. Her death did not mark the end of her influence; rather, her grave in Sarrat has become a site of pilgrimage, drawing people inspired by her life of faith and devotion.
The Path to Sainthood
The Vatican’s recent approval of the "nihil obstat" for Niña’s cause for canonization is a significant step toward her recognition as one of the youngest saints in history. On April 7, 2024, Divine Mercy Sunday, the formal process was inaugurated at the Cathedral of St. William the Hermit in Laoag City. Bishop Renato Mayugba, who heads the diocesan tribunal, expressed hope that Niña’s life would inspire many to put God first. Father Dennis Ruíz, the postulator of her cause, highlighted the relevance of Niña’s example for today’s youth, much like Blessed Carlo Acutis.
A Legacy of Faith
Niña’s mother, Corazon Abad, her sister, Mary Ann Abad, and other relatives attended the session, along with numerous laypeople, priests, sisters, and seminarians. The event culminated in a visit to Niña’s tomb at St. Monica Parish, a testament to the enduring impact of her short yet deeply spiritual life.
The cause for Niña’s beatification and canonization aligns with the Church’s mission to recognize saints who practiced their faith in the ordinariness of modern life. As Bishop Mayugba encouraged, “May her life, though short, inspire all of us to put God first in our lives.”
An Inspiration for Today’s Youth
Niña’s life offers a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing distractions faced by young people today. Her dedication to the Eucharist and her unshakeable faith amid personal suffering serve as a compelling model for youth who are often preoccupied with technology, fashion, and material pursuits. In an era where family disintegration and dysfunctional relationships are common, Niña’s story provides a beacon of hope and a call to deeper spiritual engagement.
Niña Ruiz-Abad’s story is a powerful reminder that holiness and love for the Eucharist can thrive even in the youngest hearts. Her legacy continues to inspire many, particularly the youth, to deepen their faith and devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
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