St Alban. First Martyr in England.
Feast on Tuesday.
Although himself a pagan, he hid a Christian priest in his home during a time of persecution, and was so impressed with the priest's behaviour that he became a Christian. When the authorities discovered where the priest was hiding and came to seize him, Alban put on the priest's cloak and presented himself to the soldiers in his stead. When the magistrate found that he had swapped places with the priest, he ordered Alban to sacrifice to the pagan gods. Alban refused, declaring: "I worship and adore the true and living God who created all things." The magistrate had Alban tortured and when he remained steadfast had him put to death.
Even in these early days of the Church, it seems the role of priest was already so revered that St Alban was willing to give his life for one. The Gospel this Sunday recounts Our Lord's call for us to pray for labourers for the harvest - the harvest of souls for Heaven. In the debating of synodality and the planning of diocese, the drive for Vocations often seems to be left out. The focus being put on the vocation of the laity. This is surely a sad mistake. Vocations to the Priesthood needs to be a central focus, otherwise this phenomenon becomes yet another sign that we have "given up" and no longer value the Priesthood.
Perhaps this prayer by Lacordaire might be an inspiration:
“You are a Priest Forever”
To live in the midst of the world without wishing its pleasures; to be a member of each family, yet belonging to none; to share all sufferings; to penetrate all secrets; to heal all wounds; to go from the People of God to God and to offer God their prayers; to return from God to the People of God to bring pardon and hope; to have a heart on fire for charity and a heart of bronze for chastity; to teach and to pardon, console, and bless always – what a glorious life! And it is yours, O priest of Jesus Christ.
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