Credits: ABS-CBN News
The Vatican has approved an inquiry into the cause for sainthood of Laureana Franco, a Filipina lay catechist known as “Ka Luring.” Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara announced on Wednesday that the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints has granted the “nihil obstat” — which means “nothing stands in the way” — for Franco’s beatification and canonization.
The dicastery’s decision was delivered to Vergara by Archbishop Charles John Brown, apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. Franco, who left her job at the Philippine Air Force to become a catechist, dedicated her life to serving in various public schools. A native of Hagonoy in Taguig, she was the first female lay minister in the Archdiocese of Manila before Taguig became part of the Diocese of Pasig in 2003.
A short documentary from the Diocese of Pasig revealed that Ka Luring once aspired to be a nun but did not continue due to health issues. In 1990, she was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, the highest papal recognition for a layperson. She passed away in 2011 after battling cancer.
“May I ask for your unceasing prayers as we do the next steps required by the dicastery,” Bishop Vergara urged the faithful.
The path to sainthood is lengthy and rigorous. After the diocesan phase, documents are submitted to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints for thorough examination by theologians, bishops, and cardinals. If deemed valid, the cause is presented to the pope, who may issue a decree declaring the individual “venerable.”
For beatification, a miracle attributed to the individual is required, unless the person was martyred for their faith. This was the case for Filipino Saint Pedro Calungsod, a young missionary catechist who was persecuted and killed during his missionary work. For canonization, the final step to sainthood, another miracle is required.