St. Alban Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Alban
Saint Alban
Martyr
Born	unknown Verulamium
Died	disputed: 22 June 209, c.251 or 304 Holywell Hill (formerly Holmhurst Hill), St Albans
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church; Anglican Communion; Eastern Orthodox Church
Major shrine	Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban
Feast	22 June
Attributes	Soldier with a very large cross and a sword
Patronage	converts, refugees, torture victims

Saint Alban is known as the first British Christian martyr. A martyr is someone who dies for their beliefs. He was a Roman soldier who chose to become a Christian.

The town of St Albans in England is named after him. His bones were once kept in a special shrine at St Albans Abbey. However, these bones were taken during the 1800s.

Who Was Saint Alban?
- Alban's Act of Kindness
  - Learning About Christianity
- Alban's Sacrifice
  - Alban's Trial and Death
The Legacy of Saint Alban
- The Town of St Albans
  - Saint Alban's Day
- Patron Saint of Many
Images for kids
See also

Who Was Saint Alban?

Saint Alban lived a long time ago, during the time of the Roman Empire. He was a Roman soldier stationed in Britain. At this time, Christians were often treated badly. They were sometimes even punished for their faith.

Alban's Act of Kindness

One day, Alban met a Christian priest who was running away from Roman soldiers. The priest was being hunted because of his beliefs. Alban, being a kind person, decided to help him. He offered the priest a safe place to hide in his own home.

Learning About Christianity

While the priest stayed with Alban, they spent time talking. Alban learned a lot about the Christian faith. He was so impressed by the priest's courage and beliefs that he decided to become a Christian himself. This was a very brave decision for Alban to make.

Alban's Sacrifice

Soon, Roman soldiers came to Alban's house looking for the priest. To protect his new friend, Alban did something amazing. He swapped clothes with the priest. Then, Alban presented himself to the soldiers in the priest's place.

Alban's Trial and Death

The soldiers arrested Alban, thinking he was the priest. They brought him before a judge. When the judge realized Alban was not the priest, he was very angry. He ordered Alban to stop being a Christian. But Alban refused to give up his new faith. Because of his strong beliefs, Alban was sentenced to death. He is remembered as a hero for standing up for what he believed in.

The Legacy of Saint Alban

Saint Alban's story has been told for many centuries. He is an important figure in Christian history. His bravery inspired many people.

The Town of St Albans

The town of St Albans in Hertfordshire, England, is named after him. It is believed that he was executed on a hill near the Roman city of Verulamium. Later, a church was built on this spot to honor him. This church grew into the large and beautiful St Albans Cathedral.

Saint Alban's Day

Saint Alban's feast day is celebrated every year on June 22. People remember his courage and sacrifice on this day. He is seen as a symbol of standing up for your beliefs.

Patron Saint of Many

Saint Alban is considered a patron saint for several groups of people. He is a patron of converts, which are people who change their religion. He is also a patron of refugees, people seeking safety, and torture victims. This shows how his story of protection and sacrifice continues to inspire hope.

Images for kids

Eastern Orthodox icon of Saint Alban
St. Alban window at Church of the Good Shepherd (Rosemont, Pennsylvania)
Stained glass window depicting Saint Alban and Saint George, Patron Saint of England
Stained-glass window in Lancaster Priory designed by Carl Almquist
The Anglican St Alban's Church in Copenhagen, Denmark
St Alban's, Tokyo