MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino Catholic nun has been declared by Pope Francis as “venerable, ” a step closer to sainthood.
Maria Beatrice Rosario Arroyo was among those chosen for canonization, according to Vaticannews.va.
Pope Francis had reportedly met Cardinal Angelo Becciu, head of the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and authorized the promulgation of decrees regarding the eight causes of canonization that included Arroyo.
It was reported that the decree is regarding “the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Rosario of the Visitation (born: Maria Beatrice Rosario Arroyo), founder of the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of the Holy Rosary.”
Arroyo was born in Molo, Philippines on Feb. 17, 1884 and died at the age of 73 on June 14, 1957.
While she came from a rich family, Arroyo preferred to live a simple life and reportedly donated her inheritance to the congregation. She became a nun and joined the Dominican order.
The nun is reportedly the great great grandaunt of Jose Miguel Arroyo, husband of former president and outgoing Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Arroyo is being considered for sainthood and the Catholic Church is investigating many of her reported miracles.
Other Filipinos who are also reportedly going through the process for sainthood are Bishop Alfredo Maria Obviar, founder of the Congregation of the Missionary Catechists of Saint Therese of the Infant Jesus; Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, founder of the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary; Archbishop Teofilo Camomot, founder of the Daughters of Saint Teresa; and Darwin Ramos, volunteer worker for Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation.
At present, there are only two Filipinos who have been canonized as saints, namely Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro Calungsod in 1987 and 2012, respectively.