Filipina among 8 declared 'Servants of God'

Pope Francis has recognized the heroic virtues of eight candidates to sainthood, including the Filipina founder of the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of the Holy Rosary, Vatican News reports.

Maria Beatrice Rosario Arroyo, who was born in Molo district in Iloilo was born on February 17, 1884 and died on June 14, 1957.

According to the same report, Arroyo's chosen name as a consecrated religious nun is Rosario of the Visitation.

Arroyo is the second Filipino declared a Servant of God this year, the first was the teenager Darwin Ramos who was diagnosed with diagnosed with having Duchenne muscular dystrophy but continued to work with street children.

Pontifical Congregation for the Causes of the Saints that conducts an investigation into the candidates for sainthood.

The title Servant of God brings the candidate to sainthood a step closer to the goal. The next step is the approval of a miracle, which is required for beatification then the candidate can be called "Blessed." For canonization or sainthood, the approval of a second miracle is proposed.

Pope Francis also also declared seven other Servants of God: Pilar Gullón Yturriaga who was killed in odium fidei or in hatred of the Faith in Spain; Augustine Tolton, a Diocesan Priest from Italy; Enzo Boschetti, an American Diocesan Priest; Felice Tantardini, Brother of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions born in Introbio Italy and died in Taunggy (Myanmar).

The others are: Giovanni Nadiani, an Italian lay convert of the Congregation of the Presbyters of the Most Holy Sacrament; Maria Paola Muzzeddu, Founder of the Society of the Daughters of the Most Pure Mother in Italy; Maria Santina Collani, professed Sister of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy in Italy. — BAP, GMA News