Ambrose was an interesting saint. Part of a Roman family, he was born in Trier (now in Germany) between 337 and 340. his father was praetorian prefect of Gaul, and Ambrose started following in his father’s footsteps - being educated in Rome and beginning a career in the Roman government. In about 372 he was made prefect of Liguria and Emilia, whose capital was Milan. (Because of his experience in government, I often consider him another patron saint of government workers [like Thomas More].)
In 374 the bishop’s seat of Milan fell vacant, and, when Ambrose tried to settle the conflict between the Catholics and Arians over the appointment of a new bishop, the people demanded that he become the bishop himself. He was a layman and not yet baptized (during this time period, it was common for baptism to be delayed and for people to remain for years as catechumens), but that was not accepted as an excuse. Strongly “encouraged” by the people and by the emperor, he was baptized, ordained, and installed as bishop within a week, on 7 December 374.
He immediately focused on studying Scripture and learning theology. As a bishop, he was steadfast in the face of the Arian heresy, even though a number of people in government were Arians. When the Goths invaded the Roman Empire and took captives, he used all his money, as well as melted gold from Church treasures, to ransom the captives.
He also composed a number of hymns and was very influential in the conversion of Saint Augustine (whom he baptized). The author of a number of a number of sermons and treatises on the spiritual life, as well as two theological works, Saint Ambrose has been named a Doctor of the Church (one of the four original Doctors of the Latin Church).
For more information, please visit:
Wikipedia: Ambrose
Catholic.org: St. Ambrose
Doctors of the Catholic Church: Saint Ambrose
CyberHymnal: Hymns Attributed to Ambrose of Milan
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