Perhaps it’s the quiet reverence or the shared history that draws us to St. Albanus here in Leipzig. Who was Alban?
St. Albanus is named after the first British saint. His story is quite remarkable. It takes us back to the beginning of Christianity in Britain. It was a time when religious freedom was forbidden. It is also a story of standing up for what you believe in.
Alban lived in the early third century. He lived in the Roman city of Verulamium. Today this is near where St Albans Cathedral stands. One day, he gave shelter to a stranger. This stranger was fleeing persecution. This stranger was a Christian priest. He is now known as Amphibalus.
While sheltering the priest, Alban was inspired. He was moved by how important faith was to the priest. Alban asked to be taught more about Christianity. However, the Roman authorities soon found Amphibalus. Alban’s new faith would not allow him to let the authorities arrest the priest.
Instead, Alban exchanged clothes with Amphibalus. He was arrested allowing the priest to escape. Alban refused to renounce his beliefs. The magistrate ordered that he receive the punishment intended for the escaped priest. Upon this ruling, Alban was led out of Verulamium. He was beheaded on a hillside.
Alban is honored as Britain’s first saint. His grave on this hillside quickly became a place of pilgrimage. This story of an ordinary man doing an extraordinary thing has endured. It continues to inspire to this day.
Bede’s Ecclesiastical History tells us more. Alban met a Christian priest. The priest was fleeing persecution. Alban sheltered him. He became so impressed with the priest’s piety that he converted. When the authorities searched Alban’s house, he put on the priest’s cloak. He presented himself in place of his guest. Consequently, he was sentenced to the punishments meant for the priest.
Alban refused to renounce Christianity. He was taken for execution. Later legends say his head rolled downhill after execution. A well sprang up where it stopped. The judge ordered further persecutions to cease upon hearing of the miracles. He began to honour the saint’s death.
St Albans Cathedral now stands near the believed site of his execution. A well is at the bottom of the hill. It is called Holywell Hill.
The date of Alban’s execution is debated. Sources suggest dates between 209 and 313 AD. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle lists the year 283. Bede places it in 305. This was when the emperors first published edicts against Christians. English historian John Morris suggests 209. He believes it happened during Emperor Septimius Severus’s persecutions.
Little is known about the real Alban. He is estimated to have died between 209 and 305 AD. There are no contemporary accounts of his martyrdom. The major sources on his life were written hundreds of years later. They contain wondrous embellishments.
St. Albanus stands as a reminder of faith. It is a reminder of courage. It is a testament to a man who chose belief over life. His legacy echoes through the centuries. It continues to inspire all who hear his tale. The echoes of St. Albanus call us to a deeper reflection. A reflection on our own convictions.