I am an 18-year-old from Chile, and although I never had the chance to meet Pedro in person, he has become my best friend and support.
I’ve struggled with severe depression for a long time. On many days, I can’t get out of bed, and for a period, I thought about giving up on life entirely.
It was in that state that I first heard about Pedro’s life. A numerary of Opus Dei, who had come to Chile for the visit of the Prelate, shared Pedro’s story with me. He was Pedro’s friend, and the way he spoke about Pedro was unlike anything I’d ever heard. Pedro seemed to be an extraordinarily good man, someone who gave strength to others just by the way he lived. Hearing his story made me realize that my depression is my own cross to bear, and as Pedro did with his cancer, I need to carry it as best I can.
The next day, feeling down and struggling, I had to attend a breakfast with many people, including this person. I asked Pedro for help, unsure how I could face the crowd, and an idea came to me: Instead of trying to talk, I would serve others. Serving, rather than speaking, made me feel genuinely happy, and for the rest of that day, I had the energy to keep going. That was the first favour Pedro did for me.
Since then, whenever I feel overwhelmed, I ask Pedro for help. Time and again, he responds, giving me the strength to carry my cross and keep moving forward. Pedro’s presence has become a source of hope and support in my life, guiding me through the hardest days.
JPV (Viña del Mar, Chile)
29 October 2024

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