Almighty God, whose servant Alban, a soldier of your Church, did surrender his life in witness of his faith in Jesus Christ; grant that we might bravely witness our faith in you before the rulers of this world; and at that last day join with Alban and all the saints before your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Acording to
legend, Albam was an officer of the Roman Army in England in the
year 305. He sheltered a Christian presbyter, and actually changed
clothes with him to aid him to escape persecution. Alban was
arrested, tortured and ordered to renounce his faith or forfeit his
life. He was executed for his faithfulness by being beheaded at
Verulamium, Hertfordshire (now St. Abans). He is the first recorded
martyr in England. Legend says the second was his intended
executioner who refused to do the deed, and the third the presbyter
he saved.
Order of CenturionsAug 2005