Salford Diocese bids to make student first Gen Z saint

Pedro Ballester - Image Opus Dei

A student who died eight years ago has been put on the path to become the Catholic Church's first Gen Z saint, Paul Burnell writes for BBC North West today.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford announced overnight it had formally opened the "cause for the canonisation" of Pedro Ballester, 21, from Manchester, paving the way for a comprehensive examination of his life and writings to be presented to the Pope.

Opening a cause is the first hurdle a potential saint must clear.

"We are pleased to announce the opening of the Cause for the Beatification and Canonisation of Pedro Ballester, a young Manchester man whose life of faith and witness continues to inspire many," said the diocese.

Manchester-born Ballester, died on 13 January, 2018 after an aggressive cancer halted his studies to be a chemical engineer and more than 500 people packed the Holy Name Church on Oxford Road for his funeral celebrated by the future Cardinal Arthur Roche, who flew over from the Vatican.

Fr Joseph Evans, the priest who gave him the last rites greeted the announcement with excitement.

"Wow. I'm delighted having witnessed at first hand Pedro's heroic struggle in the last six months of his life," said Fr Evans.

"I feel he can be a great model of joy in adversity particularly for young people."

The formal process sees the diocese inviting Catholics to submit any information that might "help to build a full picture of Pedro's life, virtues and reputation for holiness" such as personal testimonies, memories and any writings attributed to him including letters or diaries.

To read on see: www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c626wngjyn4o