The Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford announced it has officially opened the cause for beatification and canonization of Pedro Ballester, the first step in the church’s canonization process, the BBC reports.“We are delighted to announce the inauguration of the cause for beatification and canonization of Pedro Ballester, a young man from Manchester whose life of faith and witness inspires many people,” the diocese said. Ballester was born in Manchester and was studying to become a chemical engineer before his education was interrupted by an aggressive form of cancer. He died in January 2018 at the age of 21.He was also associated with Opus Dei, the Catholic organization founded in Spain in 1928 by priest Josemaria Escriva. During his teenage years, Ballester committed himself to becoming a lay member dedicated to religious life and service.Hundreds of mourners attended his funeral at Holy Name Church, led by future Cardinal Arthur Roche, who came from the Vatican for the service.The opening of a cause for canonization is the first formal step toward sainthood and involves a detailed investigation of the person’s life, writings, and reputation for holiness before evidence is sent to the Vatican.Church officials are now inviting people who knew Ballester to submit letters, diaries, personal testimonies and memories that can help document his life and faith.Father Joseph Evans, who performed Ballester’s last rites, welcomed the announcement.“I have had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand Pedro’s heroic struggle in the last six months of his life,” he said.“I think she can be a great model of happiness in the face of adversity, especially for young people.”More than 60 people, including family members, friends and acquaintances, have already been interviewed as part of the early stages of the process.In accordance with Church procedure, investigators will now examine whether Ballester has displayed what Catholic teaching describes as “heroic virtues”, before a dossier is ultimately presented to the Vatican for further consideration.His grave in the Southern Cemetery in Manchester has since become a place visited by Catholics from different countries to pay homage.