December 7
Saint Ambrose of Milan
Bishop, Doctor of the Church
(Around 340 – 397)
“When I am at Rome, I fast on a Saturday; when I am at Milan, I do not. Follow the custom of the church where you are.”
Saint Ambrose of Milan
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or on the Book Cover Image above to buy it!
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Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
Ambrose was born in Trier, Germany around 340 to a noble Roman family. He was the son of a Roman imperial prefect of Gaul (France), Ambrosius. His brother was Saint Satyrus and his sister was Saint Marcellina. Ambrose went to Rome, Italy with his mother after his father’s death. He was educated there in the classics, Greek, and philosophy. Ambrose became a lawyer known for his oratory and learning. By 370, he was made consular general of Liguria and Aemilia, Italy by Emperor Valentinian.
From Baptized to Bishop
In 374, Bishop Auxentius of Milan died causing turmoil. He as an Arian. With his death, the Arians and Catholics fought to have their candidate made bishop. In his position as consular general, Ambrose went to the cathedral in Milan to try to sooth both passionate parties. Much to Ambrose’s surprise, he was unanimously elected bishop by both parties. Ambrose was not baptized and tried to refuse to accept the position. However, Ambrose was forced to accept the position when the Emperor confirmed the election.
On December 7, 374, at the age 35, Ambrose was baptized, ordained a priest and consecrated bishop.
Bishop of Milan
Ambrose began as bishop by giving away all his worldly goods. Then he began to educate himself on the Bible and the writings of the Fathers of the Church. Ambrose lived a life of great austerity. Ambrose used his oratory skills to become one of the most eloquent preacher of his day opposing Arianism in the West. He maintained a vigorous schedule of prayer, including night vigils. Ambrose also kept his door open to the poor and the needy.
Preacher and Teacher
Ambrose was noted as a preacher, teacher and writer of liturgical hymns. He wrote many different works from moral and ascetical commentary and exegesis to sermons, letters and dogmatic writings. His best known work is probably De officiis ministrorum (On the Duties of Ministers). While the Exameron (The Six Days of Creation) and De obitu Theodosii (On the Death of Theodosius) are among his most noted works.
Baptized Saint Augustine of Hippo
He stood firm against paganism and Arians. His preaching helped convert Saint Augustine of Hippo, whom Ambrose baptized and brought into the Church. Ambrose called and chaired several theological councils during his time as bishop, many devoted to fighting heresy. He welcomed Saint Ursus and Saint Alban of Mainz when they fled Naxos to escape Arian persecution, and then sent them on to evangelize in Gaul and Germany.
Advised Emperors
Ambrose became an advisor to Emperor Gratian who took over when Valentinian died in 375. He persuaded Gratian to outlaw Arianism in the West. In 383, Gratian was killed in battle by Maximus who took over as Emperor. Ambrose talked Maximus not to attempt to extend his domain into Italy against the new young Emperor Valentinian II. However, Valentinian, the son of Emperess Justina, did eventually defeat Maximus and had him executed.
The new Emperor Valentinian II opposed the Arians. After Justina, his mother died Valentinian sided with Ambrose against Theodosius I who ruled the West. In 390, Ambrose and Theodosius clashed when Theodosius’ troops killed 7,000 in Thessalonica. Ambrose denounced Theodosius for his actions and refused him the sacraments until he performed a severe public penance. Theodosius did perform a public penance and stated “I know of no bishop worthy of the name except Ambrose.”
In May 393, Valentinian II was murdered in Gaul (France) while Ambrose was travelling to meet and baptize him. His killer, Eugenius, embraced paganism opened up the old Roman temples. Then, Theodosius led his armies into the region and slew Eugenius. Theodosius died a year later with Ambrose at his side. Ambrose preached his funeral eulogy.
His Death
Ambrose died on April 4, 397 in Milan, Italy. The title “Honey Tongued Doctor” was initially bestowed on Ambrose because of his speaking and preaching ability. This led to the use of a beehive and bees in his iconography. These symbols also indicate wisdom. This led to his association with bees, beekeepers and wax refiners.
Born: Around 340 in Trier, Germany
Died: April 4, 397 in Milan, Italy
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: December 7 (anniversary of his ordination), April 4 (Old Catholics), December 20 (Orthodox)
Patron Saint: Beekeepers; Bees; Wax Refiners
Source:
Reflection
Saint Ambrose of Milan reminds us that God can call us to serve Him in ways we never expected. He was a respected leader who reluctantly accepting the position as Bishop even though he had not yet been baptized. Saint Ambrose took on this role first educating himself on the Bible and writings of the Fathers of the Church.
Saint Ambrose boldly cared for those in need and encouraged others to draw closer to Christ, even helping guide Saint Augustine toward conversion. Saint Ambrose shows us how one faithful person, willing to listen to God, can make a lasting difference in another person’s life.
Sometimes we may wonder whether our ordinary words or actions truly matter. Saint Ambrose encourages us to trust that God can work through us in ways we cannot see. A listening ear may plant a seed of faith in someone’s heart. When we respond to God’s call, He can use our lives to bring light to others.
Do you have a new “job” that you think Our Father wants you to do in support of “thy will be done”? Pray to receive the grace, wisdom and strength to do His will today.
Prayers
Lord,
Teach me to seek you, and reveal yourself to me when I seek you.
For I cannot seek you unless you first teach me, nor find you unless you first reveal yourself to me.
Let me seek you in longing and long for you in seeking. Let me find you in love, and love you in finding.
~ St Ambrose of Milan, Bishop, Writer, Doctor
Saint Ambrose of Milan, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
Aleteia – Musing on the teeth of Saint Ambrose
All Saints & Martyrs – Saint Ambrose
Anastpaul – Saint of the Day – 7 December – St Ambrose (c 340-397) – Father and Doctor of the Church
Angelus – Saint of the day: Ambrose
Catholic Culture – St. Ambrose’s impact on St. Augustine: Excerpts from The Confessions
Catholic Exchange – St. Ambrose
Catholic Fire – St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor: Brief Bio, Quotes, and Prayers
Catholic Insights – Where Might we Find Another Ambrose?
Catholic Ireland – Dec 7 – Saint Ambrose, 340-97 bishop and doctor of the Church
Catholic Online – St. Ambrose
CatholicSaints.Info – On the Mysteries by Saint Ambrose of Milan
Daily Prayers – Ambrose
Dynamic Catholic – Saint Ambrose
Editions Magnificant – Saint Ambrose Bishop of Milan and Doctor of the Church (340-397)
Franciscan Media – Saint Ambrose
Loyola Press – Saint Ambrose (c. 340-397) Feast Day December 7
My Catholic Life – Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor
New Advent – Loughlin, J. (1907). St. Ambrose. In The Catholic Encyclopedia
Newman Connection – Saint Ambrose
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Doctor of the Church
Saint for a Minute – Saint Ambrose of Milan
Saints Alive – St. Ambrose
uCatholic – St. Ambrose, Doctor of the Church