Saint of the Day: St. Alban

Martyr (d. 303)

His life

+ Saint Alban is venerated as the first recorded British martyr.

+ According to tradition, he was a Roman soldier stationed in Britain.

+ During the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian, he was denounced as a Christian and was beheaded near with is modern-day St. Albans.

+ Devotion to Saint Alban began immediately after his death and he is honored as one of the patrons of Great Britain.

For prayer and reflection

“You have rescued me according to your abundant mercy

from the snare of those who look for my downfall,

and from the power of those who seek my life.

From many dangers you have saved me,

from flames that beset me on every side.”—Sirach 51:3-4a

Prayer

Almighty ever-living God, by whose gift blessed Alban fought for righteousness' sake even until death, grant, we pray, through his intercession, that we may bear every adversity for the sake of your love and hasten with all our strength towards you who alone are life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal: Common of Martyrs)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.