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The "Fastest Nun in the West," Sister Blandina Segale, is continuing on her path to sainthood.

Local Catholic leaders gathered in New Mexico last week to announce a significant development in her canonization cause: Vatican theologians examining her case unanimously voted to advance it, citing her life of heroic virtue and dedication to charitable work throughout New Mexico and the Southwest.

Sister Blandina, born Maria Rosa Segale, was a Catholic nun who lived during the mid-to-late 19th century. She immigrated with her family from Cicagna, Italy, to Cincinnati in 1854 when she was 4.

At 16, she joined the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. Six years later, the order sent her alone to Trinidad in the Colorado Territory. Over the next two decades, Segale served communities across the Southwest, including in Santa Fe and sa国际传媒官网网页入口.

She became known for her work in education and healthcare, particularly among poor and marginalized communities.

According to a biography published by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, Segale founded schools, orphanages and a wayfarers house; served poor families, immigrants and Native American communities; and advocated against homelessness and human trafficking.

The cause for Sister Blandina's canonization was opened by CommonSpirit St. Joseph's Children and the Vatican in 2014. Allen S谩nchez, president of CommonSpirit St. Joseph's Children, serves as the principal petitioner for the cause.

Speaking Monday outside Sister Blandina's convent, S谩nchez explained the canonization process. One key consideration, he said, is whether a person's life provides an example worthy of imitation. Archbishop John Wester, who is overseeing the case, said Sister Blandina clearly meets that standard.

"She never wavered in her courage. She's somebody who confronted mobs, lynch mobs, Billy the Kid, all kinds of difficulties with courage," Wester said. "I encourage all people in New Mexico, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, to follow Blandina's example, to care for people, to live in harmony with people, to see the good in people."

If Pope Leo XIV declares Sister Blandina "Venerable" following the theologians' recommendation, the next step would be beatification. That process requires a miracle deemed both scientifically inexplicable and attributable to Sister Blandina's intercession.

While only one verified miracle is required for beatification, S谩nchez said 58 potential miracles have been reported, including three he described as instantaneous.

If a miracle is officially recognized and additional requirements are met, Sister Blandina could eventually be canonized as a saint.

For many New Mexicans, however, Sister Blandina's legacy extends beyond the canonization process.

"Sister Blandina started the public school and public health systems here in our state. She petitioned the territorial Legislature for the public school system here," S谩nchez said. "Even if she never becomes a saint, we've offered this little one as an example for the world."