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St. Ambrose of Milan
| Feast Day | December 7 |
|---|---|
| Patronage |
|
| Place of Birth | Trier, Roman Empire (modern-day Germany) |
| Place of Death | Milan, Italy |
| Canonization Date | N/A |
Biography
St. Ambrose was a 4th-century bishop of Milan, one of the four original Doctors of the Church, and a key figure in early Christianity. Born into a noble Roman family, he was a skilled lawyer and administrator before unexpectedly being chosen as Bishop of Milan in 374 AD. Despite being a catechumen at the time, he was baptized, ordained, and consecrated within a week. Ambrose became known for his theological writings, defense of orthodox Christianity against Arianism, and influence on St. Augustine’s conversion. He also played a crucial role in defining the relationship between Church and state.
Miracles & Important Events
- Opposition to Arianism: Ambrose fiercely defended the Nicene faith against the Arian heresy, refusing to allow Arian worship in Milan.
- Influence on St. Augustine: He played a major role in the conversion of St. Augustine, who was baptized by Ambrose in 387 AD.
- Public Penance of Emperor Theodosius: After the Massacre of Thessalonica (390 AD), Ambrose excommunicated Emperor Theodosius I and required him to do public penance before being readmitted to the Church.
- Hymn Composition: He introduced antiphonal chant into Western liturgical practice, and many of his hymns are still in use today.
Associated Symbols
- Beehive (symbolizing eloquence and wisdom)
- Book (representing his theological writings)
- Bishop’s Mitre and Crozier
Quotes & Writings
- “When we are speaking about Christ, what can we say but that he is the light?”
- “No one heals himself by wounding another.”
- “The Church belongs to God, therefore it cannot be given to Caesar.”
- Major works include On the Duties of the Clergy, Exposition of the Psalms, and On the Holy Spirit.