Saint Alban

Saint Alban was born in Roman Britain, likely a Roman citizen living at Verulamium (today’s St Albans) around AD 300, though little is known of his early life. In a time of fierce persecution, Alban welcomed into his home a Christian priest fleeing arrest. Moved by the priest’s prayer and steadfast faith, Alban came to believe in Christ. When soldiers arrived to seize his guest, Alban clothed himself in the priest’s garments and surrendered in his place. Brought before a judge while pagan sacrifices were being offered, Alban refused to deny the true and living God. He endured scourging with patience and was condemned to death. Tradition recalls signs accompanying his martyrdom: a river opening a way for the procession, and a spring rising at his prayer as he thirsted on the hill of execution. There he was beheaded, sealing his witness with blood. Venerated as Britain’s first recorded Christian martyr, he is patron of the English College in Valladolid and of places and institutions bearing his name. His feast day is June 22.