Nun who stood up to Billy the Kid moves up sainthood path

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — An Italian-born nun who challenged Billy the Kid, calmed angry mobs and helped open New Mexico territory hospitals and schools is moving up the path toward possible sainthood.

The Archdiocese of Santa Fe on Friday closed its inquiry on why Sister Blandina Segale should become a saint. The findings now will be forwarded the Vatican.

Segale was a nun with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and an advocate for Hispanics and Native Americans. She founded schools in New Mexico and St. Joseph Hospital.

Her encounters with Old West outlaws became the subject of an episode of the CBS series "Death Valley Days," titled "The Fastest Nun in the West."

Segale worked as an educator and social worker in Ohio, Colorado and New Mexico.