Born in Manchester and of Spanish heritage, Pedro lived, apart from a brief period in Majorca for his father’s work, in Yorkshire. He was an exceptionally gifted student, studying Spanish, maths, chemistry, physics and further maths. Raised in a devout Catholic family, with both his parents members of Opus Dei, he received strong Catholic formation from an early age.
He attended classes in Christian formation with Opus Dei and, at the age of just 17, made the extraordinary decision to become an Opus Dei numerary. On May 1, 2013, he made the commitment to lifelong celibacy in the midst of the world, following the teachings and spirit of St Josemaría Escrivá.
Jack Valero, press officer for Opus Dei in Britain and co-founder of Catholic Voices, knew Pedro personally, as well as both his parents. He tells the Herald “he was a completely normal young man growing up, very friendly. He would talk to people about God and about practising their faith. He spoke to lots of people of any age.” Others have testified to this extraordinary gift that Pedro had, to be able to communicate the things of God to all he came in contact with.
With exceptional grades, he was accepted to study chemical engineering at Imperial College London, where he lived in an Opus Dei house. It was three months after beginning his degree that his illness was diagnosed. Whilst spending the Christmas holidays with his family in Majorca, Spain, he was taken to hospital with acute pain and was diagnosed with advanced cancer of the pelvis. As a result, he had to interrupt his studies and return to Manchester to receive treatment and be close to his parents.
Pedro was able to transfer his degree to the University of Manchester in September 2015, with the hope that he could continue studying while receiving treatment. A worsening of his condition, however, meant he had to delay this until September 2016, but even then he was only able to study for less than a term.
Pedro offered his suffering for those around him and, when he visited Pope Francis in the Vatican in 2015, he told the Holy Father: “I am a numerary of Opus Dei. I got cancer and I offer all of this for the Church and for yourself.” Shortly afterwards, his condition worsened and he was in acute pain for much of the time.
Pedro’s illness inspired many people to grow closer to God and to the Church. Following the Opus Dei charism of sanctifying everyday life, he tried to be the best patient, son and brother he could be.
Pedro died on January 13, 2018, at the age of 21. He was surrounded by family and members of Opus Dei, passing away as they prayed the Salve Regina. His funeral was held at the Holy Name Church in Manchester, which was attended by more than 500 people, including around 40 concelebrating priests.
From the very beginning, there were reports of his intercession. A mother from Majorca who knew Pedro described how, on the day of his death, her daughter went missing. After searching frantically, she asked for Pedro’s help and began praying the Hail Mary. After reciting the prayer three times, a car stopped in front of her. Her daughter had been found by what she described as “an angel sent by our friend Pedrito”.
In the aftermath of his death, a group of friends set up a website “with the hope that one day Pedro will be counted among the saints in the Catholic Church”. From around the world, people have shared hundreds of favours they attribute to Pedro’s intercession, describing both spiritual and physical graces received.
Just eight years after Pedro’s death, the process for his canonisation has already begun. A notary, an official Church officer responsible for formally recording and certifying all the evidence and acts connected with the cause, has been appointed. Bishop John Arnold of the Diocese of Salford has also requested permission to open his cause for canonisation.
Readers can find out more about Pedro’s life at pedroballester.org.uk, where they can also watch two documentaries exploring his witness to the love of God.
