Damian of Algau, in the Year 1543

About this time a brother named Damian, from Algau, was arrested at Ingolstadt, in order to draw him away from the faith; but when he could in no way be turned from it, he was condemned to death. On his way to the place of execution he admonished the people, and gave an answer concerning his faith, so that a student said one of two things was certain: this man had his faith either from the wicked devil or from the Spirit of God, since his knowledge was so great, because to all appearance he was a simple man. Someone also admonished him, and asked him whether he would die as a pious Christian.

He replied: "Yes."

He asked him again: "What sign will you give us by which we may know this?"

The brother said: "Pay attention when they burn me; the smoke will rise straight to heaven."

This also came to pass.

When he was executed, the executioner asked about the direction of the smoke, whether he had justly executed him. The judge answered: "You have executed him as you pleased; I did not judge." So this witness of God and Christ received the martyrs' crown.