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Alban
lived in the Roman city of Verulamium.
Although he was then a worshipper of Roman gods including the emperor, he gave
shelter to a Christian priest fleeing from persecution. Influenced by the
priest's prayer and teaching he became a Christian.
When the authorities discovered the priest's hiding place Alban exchanged
clothes with him. The priest escaped and Alban was bound and taken before the
judge. The judge was furious at the deception, and ordered that Alban should
receive the punishment due to the priest, if he had indeed become a Christian.
Alban declared his Christian faith, saying in words still used here as a
prayer "I worship and adore the true and living God, who created all things."
Despite flogging he refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods and was sentenced to
death.
He was brought out of the town, across the river and up a hill to the site of
execution where his head was cut off. Legend tells us that on the hill top a spring of water miraculously appeared
to give the martyr a drink, also that moved by his witness the original
executioner refused to carry out the deed, and that after his replacement had
killed Alban the executioners eyes dropped out.
Bad Boy
Wendover
Alban St
Albans Bells
Magna Carta Great Council Prayer
Godiva Mathew
Paris Stephen Langton |
