Ambrose

Lore & Background

Ambrose was born into a Roman Christian family, of Greek descent, in the year 339 in Augusta Treverorum (modern Trier). His father is sometimes identified with Aurelius Ambrosius, a praetorian prefect of Gaul, but some scholars identify him as an official named Uranius. His mother was a woman of intellect and piety, probably a member of the Aurelii Symmachi. He was the youngest of three children, with siblings Satyrus and Marcellina. After his father died, his mother moved the family to Rome, where Ambrose studied literature, law, and rhetoric. He entered public service, becoming governor of Liguria and Emilia in about 372. In 374, after the death of the Arian bishop Auxentius, Ambrose was unexpectedly made Bishop of Milan by popular acclamation, despite being a relatively new Christian not yet baptized. He was baptized, ordained, and consecrated within a week. As bishop, he adopted an ascetic lifestyle, donated his land to the poor, and made provision only for his sister Marcellina. He took a firm position against Arianism. In 381, a synod of thirty-two bishops was held at Aquileia; Ambrose was elected president, and the Arian bishops Palladius and Secundianus were deposed. He attempted to mediate the conflict between emperors Theodosius I and Magnus Maximus. His writings include De officiis ministrorum (377–391) and Exameron (386–390). He authored at least four hymns, including 'Veni redemptor gentium.' He influenced Augustine of Hippo, helping convert him to Christianity. He is considered one of the four Great Latin Church Fathers, declared Doctors of the Church in 1298, and is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion, and various Lutheran denominations, and as patron saint of Milan and beekeepers.

Reader's Guide

Ambrose was a Roman governor of Aemilia-Liguria based in Milan when he was unexpectedly chosen as bishop by popular acclamation in 374, despite being a relatively new Christian who was not yet baptized and lacked formal theological training. He initially refused the office and attempted to hide, but was given up after a letter from Emperor Gratian endorsed the appointment. Within a week, he was baptized, ordained, and consecrated. As bishop, he immediately adopted an ascetic lifestyle, donating his land and money to the poor. He took a firm stance against Arianism, a conflict that occupied much of his episcopate, and attempted to mediate between emperors Theodosius I and Magnus Maximus. His substantial writings include a well-known ethical commentary and an exegetical work, and his preaching and literary efforts made him one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century. He authored at least four hymns, forming the core of the Ambrosian hymns, and notably influenced Augustine of Hippo, helping convert him to Christianity. Western Christianity later recognized Ambrose as one of the four Great Latin Church Fathers and a Doctor of the Church. He is venerated as a saint by multiple denominations and as the patron saint of Milan and beekeepers, the latter stemming from a legend that bees settled on his infant face, leaving a drop of honey as a sign of future eloquence.

Did You Know?

• A legend says a swarm of bees settled on his face as an infant, leaving a drop of honey, seen as a sign of future eloquence.
• His brother Satyrus resigned a prefecture to manage the diocese's temporal affairs after Ambrose became bishop.
• He was not yet baptized when chosen as bishop; he was baptized, ordained, and consecrated within a week.

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