ANOTHER CARLOS?

 

 

 

So many young people are popping up who are an example to the youth of our day, especially those with grave illnesses.

Church authorities are in the process of reviewing the life of PEDRO BALLESTER, a British university student who died of cancer in 2018, to gauge whether his canonization cause should be opened. Pedro, who died in 2018 at age 21, was remembered by those who knew him as an ordinary young man whose response to suffering revealed a profound faith.

Born in Manchester, England in 1996 to Spanish parents, Pedro was described by his father, as "a very normal guy" whose holiness came not from extraordinary talents, but from allowing God to guide his life. And he did that through prayer."

 Both parents are members of Opus Dei and greatly influenced the boy’s spiritual formation.

"Pedrito," as his father affectionately called him, grew in prayer and discernment as a teenager. At age 16, he surprised his family by announcing he felt called to become a numerary in Opus Dei, committing himself to celibacy and a life dedicated to God.

 Although he would have to wait until he was 18 to formally join, his father said Pedro's joy only deepened. "He became happier, more joyful. He had that joy, the kind that you think your son is in love."

 Pedro was also an academically gifted student. In September 2014, he began studying chemical engineering at Imperial College London. But just months later, he developed severe back pain and was diagnosed with advanced pelvic cancer.

He returned to Manchester for treatment, hoping eventually to resume his studies. He endured continuous medical care over the next three years, alternating between the hospital and Greygarth Hall, an Opus Dei center in Manchester, where he lived with other numeraries.

Despite intense pain and fatigue, he remained focused on others, never showing his own suffering.  His joy and faith had a transformative effect on others, including fellow patients. Before he died he asked to see Pope Francis.When the Holy Father heard of this young man,  he agreed to meet him. Pedro gave him a card signed by the patients, doctors and nurses of Christie Hospital’s adolescent cancer ward where he was being treated.

After three years of treatment and suffering, Pedro died on Jan. 13, 2018. His funeral Mass was packed. A diocesan inquiry into Pedro's life is underway and is currently interviewing witnesses.

Pedro’s father (also called Pedro) stated the one thing he wants people, especially young people, to understand about his son's life and spiritual journey "is that the secret of life is to trust in God."

 "When Pedrito was diagnosed  he had it so clear. He said, 'Mom, Dad, I gave my life to God, and God gives the cross to his friends.' So, if you have a much bigger cross, that means that you have much more glory (awaiting). Not the glory of pride, but the glory of God. You're going to help so many more people because of that suffering that God has allowed you to carry.,"