The martyr Alban of Britain suffered around the year 209 in the city of Verulamium, now St. Albans. According to tradition, he became a Christian by sheltering a certain cleric from persecution. When his house was discovered, Alban went out to the soldiers in place of his guest, throwing on himself the guest's cloak.
At the trial, he openly confessed to being a Christian, despite the judge's threats. Alban endured severe tortures, remaining faithful to his faith. The judge, unable to break his spirit, sentenced him to death.
On the way to the place of execution, he saw a multitude of people gathered to witness him. Alban, wishing to accept a martyr's death, descended to the river, where the water parted, opening a path for him. The executioner, seeing this, refused to carry out his intention and wished to die alongside the martyr.
On the hill where Alban was beheaded, a spring of water gushed forth at his feet, which became a testament to his holiness. The executioner, who refused to execute the saint, was also killed but, according to tradition, received forgiveness. After his death, a church was built in memory of Alban's martyrdom, where healings and miracles continue to occur.
