The Alban Pilgrimage
The Alban Pilgrimage
Saturday 23 June 2012
Saint Alban
Alban’s story takes us right back to the beginning of the Christian faith in Britain, but it remains fresh and inspiring for Christians today.
It reminds us of the unbroken continuity of faith in Christ in this land for over 1700 years and sets before us a powerful example of courage, compassion, hospitality and generosity as Alban risks his life to welcome a persecuted stranger. It also reminds us that witnessing as a Christian always comes at a cost.
Alban is honoured as the first British martyr, and his grave (on which the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban was built) quickly became a place of pilgrimage. For over 1700 years, people have journeyed to this place to remember Alban, to pray for peace and healing, and to seek God.
This special day begins with giant puppets who retell the story of Alban’s martyrdom, as pilgrims retrace the route from the place of Alban’s trial to the hill on which he was executed. It is not only a stunning spectacle; it is a profoundly moving experience.
All are welcome to join us on
Saturday 23 June 2012.
Information is available to download below. We look forward to seeing you there!
If you have any queries, or would like further information, please contact the Cathedral Office
Tel: 01727 890245
(International: +44 1727 890245)
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Saturday 23 June - The Alban Pilgrimage 2012
The Day's Services & Events
Please note that there are some changes to timings this year
11.00am Pilgrimage Procession
From Roman Verulamium (the site of Alban’s trial)
12.00pm Festival Eucharist
Preacher: The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York.
The service is sung by the Abbey Girls Choir
12.00pm Children’s Worship and Activities
In the Abbey Primary School. If your child would like to participate, please complete the downloadable form below.
From lunchtime food and drink will be available from the Abbot’s Kitchen and on the Abbey Orchard. Other activities include Face painting, Eye ball rolling, crafts, costumes, puppets and chariot racing.
2.00pm Orthodox Service and Veneration of the Relic
at the Shrine of Saint Alban
Organized by the Ecumenical Chaplaincy and the Fellowship of St Alban
and St Sergius
3.00pm Anointing for Healing in the Lady Chapel
4.00pm Festival Evensong and Procession to the Shrine
Preacher: The Archbishop of Westminster, The Most Reverend Vincent Nichols
Sung by the Cathedral Choir
Registration and Further Information
All Registration Forms must be returned to the Cathedral Office either by e-mail or post by Wednesday 20 June 2012
Address: The Alban Pilgrimage, Cathedral Office, St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, St Albans, AL1 1BY
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tel: 01727 890245 (International: +44 1727 890245)
Find us on Facebook
Follow Alban on Facebook, for the latest update on the Pilgrimage.
The Alban Prayer
Among the roses of the martyrs brightly shines Saint Alban.
Almighty God,
We thank you for this place built to your glory
and in memory of Alban, our first martyr.
Following his example in the fellowship of the saints,
may we worship and adore the true and living God,
and be faithful witnesses to the Christ,
who is alive and reigns, now and for ever.
Pray for us Alban, pray for us all Saints of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.