www.stalbanscathedral.org/alban-pilgrimage
The Alban Pilgrimage
Saturday 22 June 2024 Information
Pilgrim
Celebrate the story of St Alban, Britain’s first saint.
for
Groups
Among the roses of the martyrs brightly shines Saint Alban
Alban lived during the third century in the Roman city of Verulamium. One day he gave shelter to a stranger fleeing persecution. The stranger, whom we call Amphibalus, was a Christian priest who inspired Alban to faith.
Before long the authorities came to arrest the fugitive priest, but Alban exchanged clothes with him, allowing him to escape. Alban was arrested and brought before the judge.
Alban refused to renounce his new faith and declared: ‘I am Alban, and I worship and adore the true and living God, who created all things’.
He was brought across the river and up a hill to the site of his execution. Legend tells us that a spring of water miraculously appeared to quench Alban’s thirst; and the executioner’s eyes fell out after he had beheaded Alban.
Alban is honoured as the first British martyr, and his grave, on which St Albans Abbey, then Cathedral, was built, quickly became a place of pilgrimage. For over 1700 years, people have journeyed to this place to honour Alban, to pray for peace and healing, and to seek God.
Giant puppets and costumed children retell this inspiring story that still speaks to us today. It is not only a stunning spectacle; it is a profoundly moving experience, taking us to very beginnings of Christianity in this country.
Timetable of the day
10.30am Please arrive ready for the procession to set off from St Peter’s Church, AL1 3HG. Visiting groups will be alocated a place in the procession.
11am Procession continues to the Town Hall for Alban’s trial and the miraculous spring of water, and then to the Cathedral for Alban’s beheading.
12noon Pilgrimage Eucharist
Preacher: The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford.
12noon Entertainment on the Orchard for all the family, including a spectacular Roman camp, activities, and a many food stalls.
2pm Orthodox Service and Veneration of the Relic at the Shrine of Saint Alban. All are welcome.
3pm Anointing for Healing in the Lady Chapel
4pm Pilgrimage Evensong and Procession to the Shrine
Children are welcome to dress up and take part in the Alban Pilgrimage procession!
If you would like your child to take part, follow the link below.
www.stalbanscathedral.org/pilgrimage-sign-up-form
Clergy and Readers
All Anglican Priests are invited to robe for the procession (alb and red stole) and to concelebrate the Eucharist. Please be assured that it is very straightforward and instructions are given. Ministers of other Christian denominations and Anglican Readers are also very welcome to robe in the procession. All those robing must register via the link below.
Please Note: Clergy should should be ready to process by 10.40, and it is not possible to leave any belongings behind at St Peter’s Church.
Disabled Facilities
There are two step free entrances to the Cathedral: the Welcome Centre Entrance or the West End Entrance. Disabled toilets are in the Welcome centre.
Banners
Parishes are encouraged to bring their parish banners for the Pilgrimage Procession.
Roses
It is traditional for pilgrims to wear a red rose which are then left at Saint Alban’s Shrine at the end of the pilgrimage as a sign of devotion. Roses are available at the Cathedral during the day for purchase by donation.
Registration
www.stalbanscathedral.org/forms/alban-pilgrimage-groups-form-2024
The deadline for registration is Wednesday 5 June. For travel details go to www.stalbanscathedral.org/visit