Saint Alban and Our Class Saints

About Saint Alban

Saint Alban's exact background is unknown, but it is generally believed that he is a native Briton who was a pagan soldier stationed in the Roman army in Britain. It is believed that Saint Alban lived during the religious persecutions of the Emperor Diocletian (c. AD 304) however, modern historians have debated that is was in fact during the reign of Decius (c. 254) or Septimus Severus (c. 209). 

During these uncertain times, Alban welcomed and sheltered a Christian priest who was supposedly named Amphibalus. Alban admired Amphibalus's devotion to God that he placed himself under his instruction and became a Christian. The news of this spread quickly, and when the rumours that Alban was hiding a priest reached the Governor of Verulamium, now known as St. Alban's in the South of England, the Governor sent soldiers to search Alban's home. After seeing them arrive, Alban hastily threw the priest's cloak over himself and disguised himself as the priest that the soldiers were searching for. Alban was immediately bound and brought before the Governor, who is believed to have been standing at one of the civic altars offering up a sacrifice. When Alban's true identity was revealed, the Governor ordered Alban to immedicately sacrifice to the Gods or suffer death. 

Saint Alban refused to which the governor replied, "Of what family and race are you?" 

"How can it concern thee to know of what stock I am? If thou desirest to know what is my religion, I will tell thee - I am a Christian and I am bound by Christian obligations," answered Alban. 

"I ask thy name, tell me it immediately!" 

"I am called Albanus by my parents," he replied, "and I worship and adore the true and living God who created all things." 

To which the Governor replied, "If thou wilt enjoy eternal life, delay not to sacrifice to the great gods." 

Alban rejoined, "these sacrafices which are offered to devils are to no avail. Hell is the reward of those who offer them." 

The Governor ordered St. Alban to be scourged in the hope that the pain would deter his efforts. However, the attempts were in vain as Alban patiently endured the pain for our Lord's sake. When the judge realised that he could not prevail, he ordered for St. Alban to be put to death. On the way to his execution, Alban had to cross a river. It is here that Bede, an English monk and scholar (died 735 AD), documented that he saw a multitude of people "of every age and rank, assembled to attend the blessed confessor and martyr; and these so crowded the bridge, that he could not pass over that evening. Then St. Alban, urged by an ardent desire to accomplish his martyrdom, drew near to the stream, and the channel was dried up, making a way for him to pass over." 

Alban and his escort then ascended the hill above Veulamium, which is now occupied by the abbey church bearing his name, to face his execution. However, the executioner refused to undertake this task and, throwing down his sword, confessed to be a Christian. It is believed that both Alban and the executioner were executed together. 

St. Alban's body was buried in an adjoining cemetry and, when Christianity was legalised by the Emperor Constantine the Great, Alban was well remembered by the local community who erected a martyrium above his grave. St. Alban's grave became a place for pilgrimage and was famously visited by St. Germanus of Auxere in AD 429. The church survived the pagan Saxon expansion until the present day's church was founded by King Offa of Mercia in AD 793. St. Alban's relics were reverred by the devout for centuries, before they disppeared during the Dissolution of the Monastries. It is believed that they were smuggled and hidden with other relics at St. Pantaleon's Church in Cologne. It is important to note that St. Alban should not be confused with St. Albinus from St. Maurice's Church in Cologne. 

St. Alban is presented through many forms of art and is depicted as wearing either military dress or civil clothing bearing the palm of the martyrdom, a sword and/or a cross.

St. Alban's Feast Day is celebrated on 20th June which is something that we celebrate in our school each year. 

Edited from the Baring-Could's "Lives of the Saints" (1877) and St. Joseph and St. Alban Parish History

St. Mary

Saint Mary, also known as Mary Mother of God, is believed by many to be the greatest of all Christian saints. The Virgin Mother "was after her son, exalted by divine grace above all angels and men." Mary's life within history is foreshadowed in the Old Testament, with the events of her life are presented in the New Testament. Whilst living in Nazareth, Mary was visited by the archangel Gabriel who announced to her that Mary would become the Mother of Jesus. Mary became betrothed to St. Joseph and gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem and was later visited by the Three Kings. After fleeing to Egypt to escape the wrath of King Herod, Mary and Joseph resided in Egypt until King Herod's death and then returned to Nazareth. Mary's life during the following years is unknown, except for a visit to the Temple of Jerusalem to seek out Jesus who was in the Temple with the elders. There are no scriptural references concerning Mary's last years. Many believe that Mary went to Ephesus where it is believed that she experienced her 'dormition,' a place that can still be visited today where the House of the Virgin Mary resides. However, others believe that Mary remained in Jerusalem. The belief that Mary's body was assumed to heaven is one of the oldest traditions of the Catholic Church. 

Saint Mary may be taken as a patroness of good acitivty and is often cited as the patroness of all humanity with protecting many occupations and locations. Through art, Mary is traditionally portrayed wearing blue along with a blue mantle, crown of 12 stars, roses and/or a woman with child. 

St. Bernadette

Saint Bernadette was born in Lourdes, France on 7th January 1844 and was the eldest of nine children. Bernadette was baptised in a local parish, St. Pierre's, and unfortunately lived her life in poor health. In 1858, Bernadette proclaimed to have seen a vision of a lady above a rose bush in a grotto called Massabielle (Tuta de Massavielha). It is believed that the woman wore blue and white and smiled at Bernadette before making the sign of the cross with a rosary of ivory and gold. Bernadette continued to visit the grotto and experienced more apparitions of the lady. During one visit, Bernadette was asked to return to the grotto for a fortnight which has become known as the Holy Fortnight. During her sixteenth vision, Bernadette asked the lady for her name which she replied, "I am the Immaculate Conception." Though many believed that Bernadette had seen the Holy Virgin, many doubted her visions. Bernadette asked the local priest to build a chapel at the site of her visions, which is named the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and has become one of the major Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. 

Following the miracles and apparitions, Bernadette wanted to live a life away from the attention and in 1866, she joined the Sisters of Charity at their motherhouse in Nevers where she spent the rest of her life working there as an infirmary assistant and a sacristan. Unfortunately, Bernadette was diagnosed with tuberculosis of the bone and sadly died at the age of 35 on 16th April 1879. It is believed that her last words were, "Blessed Mary, Mother of God, pray for me. A poor sinner, a poor sinner." 

Saint Bernadette is often depicted with a rosary or appealing to the Holy Virgin and was canonized by Pope Piuis XI in 1933. Saint Bernadette is the patroness of illness, poverty, people that are ridiculed for their piety and of Lourdes, France. 

St. Paul

Saint Paul is one of the most influential of all of the saints. Many of St. Paul's writings are contained in the Canon of the Bible and have influenced the growth and development of the Church since the first century. It is believed that St. Paul was originally known as Saul and was a Roman citizen that presided over the persecutions of the early Christians and was present at the martyrdom of St. Stephen. After experiencing a powerful vision, Saul converted to Christianity whilst on the road to Damsacus. He was baptised and took the name of Paul. 

Saint Paul travelled the world which included visiting Jerusalem to see St. Peter, the first Pope. During his travels, Saint Paul preached ceaselessly and established several churches which he kept in contact with through letters to resolve and ansewr any questions of the faithful. The letters that have survived have become a part of the Bible but it is believed many were lost before the Bible was established by the Church. Saint Paul's writings are important because they provide guidance for how Christians should live. Saint Paul continued to travel and despite being imprisoned, continued to preach about his faith. However, in 67 AD, Saint Paul was arrested in Rome and was executed under the instruction of the Emperor Nero. It is documented by John Chrysostom that Emperor Nero knew Paul personally. 

Saint Paul is considered to be amongst the most famous and intelligent of the apostles. It is argued that Saint Paul was believed to be the leader of the apostles however, there is no evidence to support this. It is widely believed that Saint Paul preached under the request of St. Peter. Saint Paul is the patron of missionaries, writers, authors, public workers, journalists and evangelists.

St. Therese de Lisieux

Saint Therese was born in France in 1873 and was 1 of 9 children. Generations of Catholics have admired this young saint who is commonly known as "Little Flower," and have found many inspirations from during her short life. After losing her mother at the age of four and a half years old, Therese's older sister, Pauline, became a second mother to her. Pauline, along with Therese's other sisters Marie and Leonie, later joined the Carmelite convent. Whilst ill with fever, Therese prayed and it is alleged that Therese saw a statue of Mary smile at her and cure her of her illness, and by the time she was 11 years old Therese had developed the habit of mental prayer. 

Therese wanted to join the Carmelite convent along with her sisters however, the superior of the convent refused to let her join due to her young age. During a pilgrimage to Rome with her father and sister, Therese attended an audience with the Pope. Here, she begged the Pope to allow her to join the Carmelite convent. Impressed by her courage, the Vicar General allowed Therese to be admitted to the Carmleite convent alongside her sisters. 

During her time at the convent, Therese endured great loss with the ill health of her father and made great sacrafices during her time at the convent. In 1896, Therese became ill but continued to work and began writing down her memories as part of a journal so people would have something to circulate on her life after her death. It is believed that Therese's one dream was to help those on earth. "Upon my death I will let fall a shower of roses; I wish to spend my heaven in doing good upon the earth." Therese died on 30th September 1897 at the age of 24. After her death, it is belived that her sister Pauline put Therese's writings together and sent copies to other convents. It was through Therese's 'little ways' of trusting Jesus and relying on small daily sacrafices instead of great deeds that appealed to Catholics and by 1925 Therese had been canonized. 

Saint Therese of Lisieux is one of the patron saints of the missions due to her special love of the missions, prayers and letters that she gave in support of missionaries. Saint Therese acts as a reminder that those who feel that they can do nothing, can find comfort in the little things that spread the message of God. 

St. Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis was born at Assisi in Umbria in 1181 and was the founder of the Franciscan Order. Francis lived a happy life that was full of wealth but Francis wanted more than wealth and sought glory through becoming a noble knight. When Assisi declared war on the nearby town of Perugia, Francis was taken as a prisoner and held to ransom. However, despite being locked away, it is believed that Francis did not allow this experience to change him, and remained happy in his manner. It also did not change what he wanted from his life either: Glory. The Fourth Crusade provided Francis with the opportunity to achieve his dream. However, after only one day's ride from Assisi, Francis had a dream in which he claimed that God had told him to return to Assisi. Upon returning to his home town, Francis was mocked for being a coward by the village. 

Francis' conversion did not happen straight away. He started to spend more time in prayer and isolated himself in a cave whilst he wept for his sins. It is alleged that whilst riding through the countyside, Francis came face to face with a lepper. Despite the appearance of the lepper, Francis lept down off his horse and kissed the hand of the lepper. When this was returned, Francis was filled with joy. As he rode off, Francis turned to see that the lepper had disappeared. Francis saw this as a test from God and that he had passed the test. 

Francis's search for conversion led him to the ancient church at San Damiano. Whilst praying, Francis heard Christ speak to him, "Francis, repair my church." Francis assumed this meant the crumbling wall of the church and took it upon himself to fix with materials from his father's shop. His father was outraged and saw this act as theft and, in front of the Bishop, demanded that Francis returned the money and renounce his rights as his heir. Upon hearing this and with the kindness of the Bishop, Francis proclaimed "Pietro Bernardone is no longer my father. From now I can say with complete freedom, Our Father who art in heaven." From this moment, Francis had nothing and also everything. 

Francis continued with what he considered as God's call and repaired the San Damiano church with his own hands, not realising that it was in fact the Church that God wanted repaired. Francis preached about returning to God and obedience to the Chuch and overtime, companions came to Francis who wanted to follow his way of life and express God's brotherhood. Francis's companions came from all walks of life; nobility and common people and the merchant class. 

After years of poverty, Francis became ill. When he began to go blind, the Pope ordered for his eyes to be operated on however, Francis never recovered from illness. Saint Francis died on 4th October 1226 at the age of 45. Saint Francis is considered the founder of all Franciscan orders and the patron saint of ecologists and merchants. 

St. John the Baptist

Saint John the Baptist was a contemporary of Christ who was known for evangelization and for his baptizing of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist was born to Zachariah and Elizabeth who were visited by the Angel Gabriel who told them that they would have a son and that they should name him John. 

Saint John began public ministry around 30 AD, and was known for attracting crowds around the Jordan River. When Jesus came to him to be baptised, John recognised him and said, "It is I who need baptism from you." After Jesus was baptised, the heavens opned and the Spirit of God was visible like a dove. The voice of God spoke, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." John intrsucted his followers to turn to Christ, calling him the 'Lamb of God' and it is these people who were among the first Christians. 

Saint John's popularity grew which alarmed King Herod so much that he had John arrested and imprisoned. John the Baptist died sometime between 33 and 36 AD. Saint John the Baptist is the patron saint of Jordan, Puerto Rico, French Canada and many other places. 

St. Josephine (Bakhita)

Saint Josephine Margaret Bakhita was born aroun 1869 in Olgossa in the Darfur region of Sudan. Josephine was a member of the Daju people and her uncle was a tribal chief. Josephine grew up happy and prosperous and did not know of any suffering as a child. 

However, historians believe that sometime in February 1877, Josephine was kidnapped and sold as a slave. Josephine was forced to walk over 600 miles barefoot and for the next 12 years, she was continously sold as a slave. Josephine spent so much time in captivity that she forgot her original name. After years of slavery, Josephine was placed into the custody of the Canossian Sisters in Venice. It was here that Josephine would learn about God and according to Josephine, it was during this time she truly learned about who God was. Josephine was lawfully declared free as a slave and for the first time in her life, she was allowed to choose what she wanted to do with her life. Josephine decided to remain with the Canossian Sisters and was baptised on 9th January 1890 and took the name Josephine Margaret Fortuna (latin translation for her Arabic name, Bakhita). 

Josephine was assigned to a convent in Schio, Vicenza and for the next 42 years of her life, she worked as a cook and doorkeeper at the convent. Josephine was known for her gentle voice, smile and was a charismatic woman. In her later years, Josephine began to suffer physical pain and needed the help of a wheelchair but she always remained cheerful. On the evening of 8th February 1947, Josephone spoke her last words, "Our Lady, Our Lady!" and sadly passed away. 

In 1958, the process of canonization began for Josephine under Pope John XXIII. On 1st December 1978, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable. Unfortunately, the news of her beatification in 1992 was censored in Sudan. However, on a visit to Sudan 9 months later, Pope John Paul II honoured her publicly and Saint Josephine was canonized on 1st October 2000.

Saint Josephine is the patron saint of Sudan. 

St. Patrick

Saint Patrick of Ireland is one of the world's most popular saints. Patrick was born in Roman Britain and when he was fourteen, he was captured by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend to sheep. During this time, Ireland was a land of Druids and pagans but Patrick turned to his faith and wrote his memoir, The Confession. 

In the memoir he wrote, "The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same. I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn.I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain." 

Patrick's captivity lasted until he was 20 years old when he escaped after having a dream from God in which God told him to leave Ireland. After being reunited with his family in Britain, Patrick saw another vision that prompted his studies for the priesthood. Patrick was ordained by St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre, whom he had studied under for years. 

Patrick arrived in Slane on 25th March 433. There are several legends about what happened next and the most prominent claiming that Patrick met the chieftan of one of the druid tibes. After an intervention from God, Patrick was able to convert the chieftain and preach the Gospel throughout Ireland. Patrick often used shamrocks to explain the Holy Trinity and kingdoms were eventually converted to Christianity after hearing Patrick's message. 

Saint Patrick preached and converted all of Ireland for over 40 years and wrote of his love for God in Confessions. After years of living in poverty and enduring suffering, Patrick died on 17th March 461 in Saul where he built the first Irish church. Saint Patrick is believed to be buried in Down Cathedral, Downpatrick and was marked in 1990 with a granite stone. 

St. Brigid

Saint Brigid was born Brigit and shares her name with a Celtic goddess. It is believed that her mother was a Christian named Brocca who was baptised by Saint Patrick, and her father was Dubthach, a Leinster chieftain. Brocca was believed to be a slave therefore, Brigid was born into slavery. 

There are many stories of Brigid's compassion throughout her childhood and lifetime, that includes feeding the poor and healing them. There is evidence that Brigid was a good friend with Saint Patrick, and the Trias Thaumaturga claimed, "Between St. Patrick and Brigid, the pillars of the Irish people, there was so great a friendship of charity that they had but one heart and one mind. Through him and through her, Christ performed many great works." 

Saint Brigid helped many people during her lifetime and sadly passed away of natural causes on 1st February 525. During raids in 878, her relics were moved to the tomb of Patrick and Columba. Today, it is believed that the skull of Saint Brigid can be found in the Church of St. John the Baptist in Lumiar, Portugal. 

Saint Brigid is often depicted holding a reed cross, a crozier, or a lamp.