PLANNING A CATHOLIC FUNERAL - RESOURCES
BELOW ARE RESORUCES YOU MAY FIND USEFUL IN PLANNING A FUNERAL
The document below is a A3 size(4 sides of A4) which is intended to be used as an aid to planning one's own funeral. It should be kept with personal documents or given to family so that your wishes are clear and to help them in planning your funeral.
The document below is a short booklet to help you or your family in planning a Catholic Funeral and includes suggested Readings.
The document below is a general guide to practical considerations for the planning of the Funeral Service or Requiem Mass.
Prayer and Devotions
Pedro Ballester was born in Manchester, UK, on 22nd May 1996. The eldest of three brothers and brought up in a cheerful Catholic family in the North of England. From and early age he stood out for his warm heart and generous spirit.
In his late teens, his deep faith led him to dedicate his life to God in Opus Dei, seeking to love Jesu Christ above all things through his studies, friendships and ordinary life. As a numerary of Opus Dei, Pedro received the gift of apostolic celibacy and made himself completely available to the apostolic undertakings and formation of other members 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. The courage, fortitude and serenity with which he bore his illness to the end inspired numerous people to come close to the Lord and His Church. He declared how fortunate he considered himself to be, and how he looked forward to being received into the arms of the Blessed Virgin.
Pedro rendered up his soul to God on 13 January 2018.
From the very day of his death reports have bee received of favours obtained through his intercession.
We hear so much these days that the Church is for the old, that the young are not interested or involved, that the Church is dying. Nothing could be further from the truth. Great numbers of young, courageous and holy people delight in their Lord and their brothers and sisters in faith.
Pedro was a young man who was extra-ordinary in his ordinariness - just like so many young people. He not only believed, he loved.
Like every family we have members, both living with us and living with God, who are examples to us. We can and should call upon those shining examples of courageous faith who are now with God to help us in our own journey of faith and love.
Together with many others I am using the prayer above for a particular intention.
It is one I recommend to you for those who are carrying the burden of cancer or other illness.
Below there is also a printable (A5) card.
