Saint Alban Roe – English Benedictine Martyr and Catholic Saint

ST. ALBAN ROE

Saint Alban Roe was a Benedictine monk and English martyr who was known for his cheerfulness and courageous witness to the Catholic faith during persecution in England. Arrested for being a priest, he spent 17 years in prison before being executed in 1642. He was canonized in 1970.

Bartholomew Roe, later known as Saint Alban Roe, was born around 1583 in Suffolk, England, during a time when Catholicism was outlawed in the country. Raised in a Protestant household, his early years were shaped by anti-Catholic sentiment, which was widespread following the English Reformation. His path to sainthood began unexpectedly while he was still young. Initially hostile toward Catholicism, his heart began to change when he encountered a Catholic prisoner during one of his own imprisonments. This encounter led him to question his beliefs and eventually convert to Catholicism. He took the name Alban, in honor of the first British martyr, Saint Alban.

Alban Roe felt called to the religious life and joined the Benedictine order. He studied in Douai, France, a center for English Catholic exiles, where he was ordained a priest. Despite the grave dangers involved, he returned to England to carry out his ministry in secret. As a missionary priest, he moved covertly between Catholic households, offering the sacraments and spiritual support to English Catholics living under constant threat.

Known for his magnetic personality, wit, and a deep love for people, Saint Alban Roe quickly gained a reputation not only as a holy man but also as a joyful and engaging presence, even amid great danger. His cheerfulness was so contagious that even Protestant jailers and authorities found it difficult to dislike him personally, though they opposed his mission.

Eventually, he was arrested and imprisoned for being a Catholic priest—an offense considered treasonous under the laws of the time. He spent 17 years in prison, notably in the Fleet Prison in London, where he continued his pastoral work, preaching, ministering to other inmates, and strengthening the faith of the Catholic community from within the jail walls.

In 1642, after years of confinement, Saint Alban Roe was tried and sentenced to death simply for his priesthood. On January 21, 1642, he was executed at Tyburn by hanging, drawing, and quartering, the standard punishment for traitors. Witnesses to his execution noted that he maintained a joyful and courageous demeanor until the end. He even joked with the executioner and addressed the crowd, urging them to seek truth and faith in Christ. His joyful martyrdom left a deep impression on those present.

Saint Alban Roe was canonized on October 25, 1970, by Pope Paul VI, along with 39 other English and Welsh martyrs. They are collectively known as the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. His feast day is celebrated on January 21. Saint Alban Roe remains a powerful example of courage, faith, and unwavering commitment to the truth, even in the face of persecution and death.

Feast Day

21-1-

Birth Date

--1583

Died Date

21-1-1642

Canonised Date

25-10-1970

Body likely buried near Tyburn, London

St. Alban Roe, pray for us to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of adversity. Help us to follow Christ with courage and love. Amen
ST. ALBAN ROE

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ST. ALBAN ROE

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