Salford Diocese in northern England has opened the sainthood cause of Pedro Ballester, a Manchester-born student known for his joy and selflessness until his death from cancer at age 21. Source: OSV News.
In a statement published last week, the diocese said that since the young man’s death in 2018 “his reputation for holiness has grown significantly”, paving the way for an initial diocesan inquiry.
“The opening of this cause marks an important step in recognising the life and witness of a young man whose example of faith, especially in the face of suffering, continues to resonate with many people today,” the diocese said.
With the diocesan phase of Mr Ballester’s sainthood cause now open, Salford Bishop John Arnold invited those who knew the young man “to assist the process by submitting any information that may help to build a full picture of Pedro’s life, virtues and reputation for holiness”.
Born in Manchester in 1996 to Spanish parents, both of whom are members of Opus Dei, Mr Ballester was an academically gifted student who, at 18, also joined the personal prelature as a numerary.
In September 2014, he began studying chemical engineering but just months later, he developed severe back pain and was diagnosed with advanced pelvic cancer.
According to the edict declaring the opening of his cause, Mr Ballester accepted his advanced pelvic cancer diagnosis “as a way of sharing in Christ’s cross”.
“He offered his sufferings for the Pope, the Church and all souls, showing remarkable serenity and faith,” the edict stated.
In an interview with OSV News on February 11, Mr Ballester’s father, also named Pedro, recalled that despite intense pain and fatigue, his son remained focused on others.
Visitors often left uplifted, unaware of the extent of his pain. Pedro Ballester Sr recalled that his son would sometimes delay taking morphine so he could remain alert while speaking with visitors.
After three years of treatment and suffering, Mr Ballester died on January 13, 2018.
Among those who knew Mr Ballester before his death was British Cardinal Arthur Roche, prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
Cardinal Roche said Mr Ballester’s selflessness will be “one of the most important testimonies that will be received when the documentation is finally complete”.
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UK diocese opens Pedro Ballester’s sainthood cause (By Junno Arocho Esteves, OSV News)
