The Alban Pilgrimage

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 will begin this year with a procession through the city centre, where giant puppets will retell the story of Alban’s martyrdom. It is not only a stunning spectacle; it is a profoundly moving experience.

The Alban Pilgrimage - Timetable of the day

Please aim to arrive by 10.30am ready for the procession to set off at 11.00am prompt.

11.00am Pilgrimage Procession begins through the City Centre.

The route this year begins from St Peter’s Church, St Albans, and continues to the Town Hall and then we will process to the West End of the Cathedral.

c.12noon Festival Eucharist (following the Procession)

Preacher: The Right Reverend Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury.
The service is sung by the Abbey Girls Choir.

12noon Children’s Worship and Activities

In the Abbey Primary School. Please download the Registration form below if your child would like to take part.

From lunchtime food and drink will be available from the Abbot’s Kitchen and our shops will be open.

14.00 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 - all welcome.

15.00 Anointing for Healing in the Lady Chapel.

16.00 Festival Evensong and Procession to the Shrine

Preacher: Fr Timothy Radcliffe O.P.
The service is sung by the Cathedral Choir

Registration & Information

All are welcome to join us on
Saturday 22 June 2013.
Information is available to download below. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Childrens Registration Form is available to download below.

Find out further information about parking and travelling to St Albans by visiting our Planning your visit page. All details on car parks and local travel services are available, or download the information booklet.

Children & Young People Procession & Worship

The Childrens Form opens in Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat.

Please fill in all the highlighted sections on the form.

Save the completed document to your computer, then attach the document to an e-mail and return to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Alternatively, print out the form and return to the Cathedral Office, once completed.

Costumes used in the procession are not suitable for children under 6 years old.

Children under 6 are welcome to attend the children’s celebration following the procession, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (18yrs or over).

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.