About the book: Pedro Ballester Arenas died of osteosarcoma in Manchester at the age of 21 in 2018 but his life spoke volubly of a greatness beyond his years and of a life well lived.
A few weeks before Pedro died, after three long years of treatment, chemotherapy, travel, spells in hospital, pain and suffering, Pedro was speaking with Tom, a 15-year-old boy who had decided to follow his vocation as a numerary in Opus Dei. Pedro asked him in a faint voice, "Are you happy?" "Yes, I am," Tom replied. And with great frankness, he put the same question to Pedro: "What about you?" Pedro smiled and said with conviction, "I've never been happier."
At his funeral, the now Cardinal Arthur Roche explained: "Pedro has touched the lives of many – and most without him knowing it – through his patient, faith-filled, happy and loving endurance during these last three years of an illness, which he bore uncomplainingly and with considerable courage and which has been both a witness to the beauty of life at whatever stage or condition and a great example and encouragement to all who were close to him... When Pedrito committed himself as a celibate lay member of Opus Dei, with that generosity which is so characteristic of youth, he could not have known how the Lord would call him to follow in His steps even to the sharing of His Cross and His Sacrifice for others. But we know, that as he rose each morning, even from his hospital bed when able, he kissed the ground and uttered the word of Michael the Archangel, serviam! – I will serve! And so he did, with great magnanimity, with patience and good humour."
I've Never Been Happier: Pedro Ballester Arenas (2023) brings together some memories of his parents and siblings, of family and friends, of those who knew him and lived with him, and who witnessed the adventure of a "Yes" to God until his last breath.
The Diocese of Salford (Manchester, United Kingdom) has formally opened Pedro's cause for beatification and canonisation, meaning that his life, writings and the testimonies of those who knew him will be thoroughly examined before having Pedro Ballester declared a saint. Following the opening of his cause, Pedro Ballester's grave in the Southern Cemetery in Manchester has become a site of pilgrimage.
About the author: Reverend Jorge Boronat M.D. S.T.D is a Catholic priest from the Prelature of Opus Dei, working in the Archdiocese of Westminster in London. He is the Chaplain of Netherhall House and Ashwell House, university halls of residence. He also works in the parish of St Thomas More, Swiss Cottage, and has developed his pastoral ministry mainly with young people.
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