Ambrose

Lore & Background

Ambrose was born into a Roman Christian family of Greek descent in 339 in Augusta Treverorum (modern Trier), capital of the Roman province of Gallia Belgica. His father is sometimes identified with Aurelius Ambrosius, a praetorian prefect of Gaul, but some scholars identify him as an official named Uranius. After his father's death, his mother moved the family to Rome, where Ambrose studied literature, law, and rhetoric. He entered public service, becoming governor of the province of Liguria and Emilia in about 372.

In 374, following the death of the Arian bishop Auxentius, Ambrose went to the church where the election was to take place to prevent an uproar. His address was interrupted by a call, 'Ambrose, bishop!', taken up by the whole assembly. Though a relatively new Christian not yet baptized, he was baptized, ordained, and consecrated as bishop of Milan within a week. As bishop, he adopted an ascetic lifestyle, donated his land to the poor, and carefully cultivated practices that respected local customs.

Ambrose took a firm position against Arianism and presided over the Synod of Aquileia in 381, which deposed Arian bishops Palladius and Secundianus. He attempted to mediate conflicts between emperors Theodosius I and Magnus Maximus. His writings include the ethical commentary De officiis ministrorum (377–391) and the exegetical Exameron (386–390). He authored at least four hymns, including 'Veni redemptor gentium', and had a notable influence on Augustine of Hippo, whom he helped convert to Christianity.

Reader's Guide

Ambrose's significance lies in his role as a pivotal figure in the 4th-century Christian church, bridging Roman administrative tradition and ecclesiastical authority. As a former Roman governor who became bishop by popular acclamation, he exemplified the integration of secular governance into religious leadership. His firm stance against Arianism helped shape orthodox Christian doctrine during a period of intense theological conflict, and his presidency at the Synod of Aquileia in 381 demonstrated his influence in ecclesiastical politics. Ambrose's literary output, particularly De officiis ministrorum and Exameron, provided ethical and exegetical foundations for later Christian thought. His mentorship of Augustine of Hippo, whom he helped convert, had lasting impact on Western theology. Recognized as one of the four Great Latin Church Fathers alongside Augustine, Jerome, and Pope Gregory the Great, Ambrose was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1298. His legacy includes the Ambrosian hymns and his veneration as patron saint of Milan and beekeepers. Legends about his life, including the infant bee swarm story, contributed to his symbolic association with eloquence.

Did You Know?

• Ambrose was serving as Roman governor of Aemilia-Liguria when he was unexpectedly made Bishop of Milan in 374 by popular acclamation.
• He was not yet baptized nor formally trained in theology at the time of his election as bishop.
• A legend recounts that a swarm of bees settled on his face as an infant, leaving a drop of honey, seen as a sign of future eloquence.
• He is venerated as patron saint of Milan and beekeepers.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Accordingly, death is a harbor of peace for the just, but is believed a shipwreck for the wicked." — Ambrose "It is not death therefore that is burdensome, but the fear of death." — Ambrose "It was not by dialectic that it pleased God to save His people." — Ambrose "Exposition of the Christian Faith, Book I, Chapter 5., 42." — Ambrose