Diocletian, the Roman emperor who reigned twenty years from 286 was a very cruel murderer who killed and bade kill all the Christians whom he could find out everywhere. St. Alban was the protomartyr of England. He was a prominent pagan citizen.

One day, Alban gave shelter in his home to a priest fleeing persecution. Although Alban was not a Christian, he was touched by the piety of his guest. He observed the priest engaged in continual prayers on the hour, singing, and fasting, and keeping vigil day and night, praising God. According to Venerable Bede, ‘ prompted by a sudden infusion of divine light, Alban began to imitate the priest’s example of faith and piety. Gradually instructed by his wholesome admonitions, Alban cast off the darkness of idolatry, and became a sincerely committed Christian. The wicked prince heard that the holy confessor of Christ was concealed at Alban’s house. So, he sent some soldiers to make a strict search for him. When they came to the Martyr’s house. St. Alban, dressed in the priest long coat, immediately presented himself instead of his guest and master, and was led bound before the judge.’ Among his answers to the judge: a“ My name is Alban, and I worship and adore the living and true God, who created all things”. After refusing to recant, and to offer sacrifice, he was condemned to death. One of the executioners threw away his sword, was converted, and ‘baptized’ in the blood of his own martyrdom; another beheaded Alban. He was buried nearby, and a beautiful church was built on the site of his death, where the sick folk are cured and miracles take place to this day.

Alban wanted to make clear to all that his prayer had dried the river, He asked aloud that God would give him water and a spring ran at his feet.

From Janet Sperry: On the eve of the feast day of St. Alban. 6/22/2007