Saint Ambrose of Milan

Biography

Saint Ambrose of Milan, also known as Ambreuil, Ambrogio, Ambroise, Ambrosius, Ambrun, Embrun, and The Honey Tongued Doctor, was born to the Roman nobility in Trier, southern Gaul (modern Germany) around 340. He was the brother of Saint Marcellina and Saint Satyrus. Ambrose received a comprehensive education in the classics, Greek, and philosophy in Rome, Italy. He was a talented poet and distinguished orator. However, it was his conversion to Christianity that marked a significant turning point in his life. In the midst of a dispute over the replacement of the bishop of Milan, violence erupted. Ambrose stepped in as a mediator and effectively calmed both sides. His impressive handling of the situation led to his selection as the new bishop, even though he was still an unbaptized catechumen. Initially, Ambrose resisted, feeling unworthy of the position. Nevertheless, to prevent further unrest, he reluctantly agreed. On 7 December 374, Ambrose was baptized, ordained as a priest, and consecrated as the bishop of Milan. He immediately displayed his devotion to the Church and commitment to serving the poor by giving away his wealth. This act served as both a practical means of benefiting those in need and as an example for his flock to follow. Saint Ambrose quickly gained a reputation as an exemplary preacher, teacher, and Bible scholar. Numerous individuals turned to him for guidance, and his eloquent sermons and writings greatly influenced the faith. He stood firmly against paganism and the Arian heresy, tirelessly defending the orthodox teachings of the Church. One of Ambrose's notable accomplishments was his role in the conversion of Saint Augustine of Hippo. After baptizing Augustine, Ambrose brought him into the Church. The influential preaching of Saint Ambrose also prompted Emperor Theodosius to publicly repent for his sins. Throughout his tenure as bishop, Saint Ambrose called and presided over various theological councils dedicated to combating heresy. In addition, he opened his arms to welcome and assist persecuted Christians, such as Saint Ursus and Saint Alban of Mainz, who fled to Milan from Naxos. Ambrose then sent them to evangelize in Gaul and Germany. Pope Boniface VIII recognized Ambrose's immense contributions and designated him as a great Doctor of the Latin Church in 1298, bestowing him the title of the Honey Tongued Doctor. This title originated from his extraordinary speaking and preaching abilities. As a result, Ambrose became associated with bees and beehives, symbols that also represent wisdom. Saint Ambrose's iconography commonly includes depictions of a baby with bees on his mouth, a beehive, bees, a bishop holding a church, bones (referring to the relics of Saints Gervase and Protase, which were revealed to him in a vision), a dove, a man arguing with a pagan, an ox, a pen, a lash or whip (symbolizing the triumph of the Trinitarian doctrine over Arianism), and his association with Saint Gregory the Great, Saint Jerome, and Saint Augustine of Hippo. Ambrose died on Holy Saturday, 4 April 397, at Milan, Italy, of natural causes. His relics are housed at the basilica of Milan. He was canonized as a saint before the formal process of canonization was established. Saint Ambrose is honored as the patron saint of beekeepers, bees, bishops, candle makers, chandlers, domestic animals, the French Commissariat, geese, honey cake bakers, learning, livestock, police officers, schoolchildren, security personnel, starlings, students, wax melters, wax refiners, and in Italy. He is particularly venerated in Milan and within the archdiocese of Milan. Additionally, he holds a special place of devotion in Alassio, Bologna, Carate Brianza, Lombardy, Lonate Pozzolo, Monte San Savino, Stresa, and Vigevano. The feast days dedicated to Saint Ambrose are 7 December (the anniversary of his ordination), 4 April (observed by Old Catholics, Lutherans, and in Milan, Italy, as a memorial of his death), and 20 December according to the Orthodox tradition.