Brief History
Pedro Ballester was born in Manchester on 22 May 1996. The eldest of three brothers, he was brought up in a cheerful Catholic family in the north of England. From an early age he stood out for his warmheartedness and generosity. He was renowned for being a hard-working student, and a good friend to all.
While in his late teens, his deep faith led him to dedicate his life to God in Opus Dei, seeking to love Jesus Christ above all things through his studies, friendships and ordinary life. As a numerary member of Opus Dei, Pedro received the gift of apostolic celibacy and made himself completely available to attend to the apostolic undertakings and the formation of other members of the Prelature.
In December 2014, shortly after starting at university, he was diagnosed with advanced cancer of the pelvis. Pedro saw his illness as an opportunity to embrace the Cross of Jesus, and joyfully offered up his sufferings for the Pope, the Church, and all souls. He declared how fortunate he was, and thought of himself as being in the arms of the Blessed Virgin. The fortitude and serenity with which he bore his illness to the end inspired numerous people to come closer to God and the Church.
Pedro rendered up his soul to God on 13 January 2018. From the very day of his death, reports have been received of favours obtained through his intercession. Those who obtain favours are asked to notify the Prelature of Opus Dei, 4 Orme Court, London W2 4RL. Email: ocs.uk@opusdei.org
“I have never been happier”
A 21-year-old engineering student from the North of England learnt to love God and find joy in the intense pain of terminal cancer. He died in January 2018. Fr Joseph Evans, chaplain of Greygarth Hall in Manchester, tells his story.
“My brother Pedro”
Tribute made at the funeral of Pedro Ballester, a numerary who died of cancer in January 2018 aged 21, given by his younger brother Carlos.
“An athlete along the track of love”
A large congregation joined Archbishop Arthur Roche and thirty concelebrating priests for the funeral on 23 January 2018 of Pedro Ballester who followed Christ heroically in a three-year battle with cancer.
Pedro’s posthumous Graduation
Six months after Pedro died he was awarded a a unique posthumous Masters’ Degree from Manchester University.
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