Vatican OKs probe on sainthood of Taguig catechist

MANILA, Philippines — The Vatican has allowed the Diocese of Pasig to proceed with its inquiry into the reasons that may warrant sainthood for a lay catechist from Taguig who died of ovarian cancer in 2011.

The CBCPNews reported that the Vatican had granted a “nihil obstat” or “nothing stands in the way” to the cause for beatification and canonization of Laureana Franco, also known as “Ka Luring.”

The diocese can now start its inquiry into Franco’s heroic virtues, which is one of the first steps that may lead to her beatification and eventual sainthood, according to Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara.

Born on July 4, 1936, Franco had a strong devotion to Mother Mary and dedicated her life to serving her diocese and the poor.

Franco has served as a volunteer catechist since 1960s. Her reputation for holiness was known to then Manila archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, who gave her the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award on behalf of Pope St. John Paul II in 1990.

She also received the Mother Teresa Award, a project of AY Foundation Inc. and the Manila Jaycees, for her work with the poor and needy in 2002.

On Oct. 17, 2011, she died of ovarian cancer at the age of 75.

The Philippines currently has two saints: San Lorenzo Ruiz of Manila and San Pedro Calungsod of Cebu.