Day of the Saint: December 7th.
In essence, Saint Ambrose was one of the most consequential religious figures of the 4th century AD. He served with distinction as the Bishop of Milan from 374 AD until his earthly death in 397 AD.
This eloquent and prolific theologian and writer effectively shaped early Western Christianity through his vigorous defense of orthodoxy, governance of Milan, and most crucially, his conversion and mentoring of St. Augustine of Hippo.
Even over 1500 years after his death, Ambrose remains revered as one of the original Doctors and Fathers of the Latin Church.
Early Life of Saint Ambrose
Ambrose was likely born around 340 AD to a respectable Roman Christian family in the city of Trier, an important imperial center in Gaul at the time. His father is said to have been the Praetorian Prefect of Gaul, making Ambrose part of the Roman provincial aristocracy from an early age. After his father’s death, Ambrose’s mother moved him and his siblings back to Rome. This background helps explain the dexterity Ambrose later showed in spiritual and temporal matters of state.
Educated in Rome, the young Ambrose embarked on a traditional cursus honorum, following the path of a Roman advocate and statesman. He became a skilled administrator and Governor of Aemilia-Liguria in northern Italy when events took an abrupt turn.
Conversion and Ascent to Bishop
In 374 AD, the Bishop of Milan died, triggering deep divisions between local Nicene Christians and Arians over the appointment of a new bishop. Attempting to keep order as Governor, Ambrose traveled to mediate at the assembly where the election would occur. His address was so moving that both sides began to call “Ambrose for bishop!” Though merely a catechumen at the time with no theological training, the Governor recognized his duty and accepted the position.
True to form, Ambrose donated his wealth, land and possessions to the poor and the church and embarked on an intense study of Scripture and theology. This sudden calling did not quell his talent and intellect. Ambrose blossomed as a student of religion and applied himself to preaching and teaching his flock.
Bishop of Milan
Ambrose’s two decades as Bishop cemented his reputation as defender of orthodoxy against practitioners of Arian and other diverging theologies. He wrote seminal treatises like De Fide and De Spiritu Sancto which spread the Nicene creed. Known for eloquent speaking, Ambrose also preached tirelessly to packed crowds and traveled extensively to spread orthodoxy.
As Bishop, Ambrose donated Church funds to ransom captives, aid the poor, and support the early monastic movement in Italy. He imposed doctrine by exerting episcopal rights, even excommunicating a Roman emperor to make his point. Ambrose also supervised church construction projects like the “Basilica Ambrosiana” cathedral in Milan.
Saint Ambrose as Theologian and Writer
When time allowed, Ambrose retired to intensive study of Scripture and patristic writings. He composed prolifically – theological treatises, Biblical commentaries, philosophical works synthesizing Greek philosophy and emergent Church doctrine.
Key themes pervading his writings were asceticism, virginity, and early convents and monasteries. Ambrose promoted these ideas through works like De Virginitate which were widely disseminated and studied for centuries after his demise.
Known for mystical visions, Ambrose also wrote numerous Latin hymns and poems for church services still regularly sung today like the Ambrosian hymn “Aeterne rerum Conditor”. His homiletic and exegetical skills earned him the reputation as pre-eminent Latin preacher of the late 4th century.
Influential Figures Converted
Perhaps Ambrose’s greatest legacy was his pivotal role in mentoring and converting provincial official Augustine of Hippo, who came to Milan to teach rhetoric in 384 AD. As Augustine grappled with sin, worldly temptation and the nature of evil, Ambrose guided him through extended dialogue. In 386 AD, Saint Ambrose baptized Augustine in Milan, who subsequently returned to Africa on fire with religious devotion. Of course, Augustine became one of Christianity’s most influential philosophers and theologians, cementing Ambrose’s impact.
Others like St. Simplicianus and Chromatius the Martyr studied under Ambrose before advancing key church doctrines themselves.
Final Years and Death of saint ambrose
In his final active years as Bishop, Ambrose focused efforts against the last vestiges of pagan worship and Arian thought threatening orthodoxy. He mentored his secretary Paulinus and urged him to spread asceticism to southern Italy.
As Saint Ambrose entered his late 50s, exhaustion and poor health overcame him. He died peacefully on Good Friday in 397 AD, in the midst of Easter vigils with the faithful keeping watch.
Veneration and Sainthood
After his death, Ambrose came to be known as one of the Four Original Doctors of the Latin Church and was later canonized as Saint Ambrose. His remains and relics were interred under the Ambrosian Basilica complex in Milan, which became an important site of veneration.
Regarded as perhaps the greatest theological influence over Latin Christianity after St. Augustine himself, Ambrose was viewed as a paragon Bishop who integrated Greek theology and monastic thought into the fabric of Western thought.
conclusion
As we have seen, Saint Ambrose of Milan lived an extraordinarily impactful life after reluctantly converting from a secular career path. His defense and elucidation of key theological questions, pivotal conversion of skeptics like St. Augustine, and his administrative and literary output helped steer Western Christianity for over a millennium.
Even today, over 1500 years after his death, the lessons and works of Ambrose continue to inspire and make him one of Christianity’s most beloved Fathers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Saint Ambrose born?
He was likely born around 340 AD in the city of Trier, an important imperial center in Gaul at the time.
What happened to spur his reluctant conversion?
When the Bishop of Milan died in 374 AD, the deep divisions between local Nicene Christians and Arians during the selection process of a new bishop led Ambrose, as provincial Governor, to give a pivotal speech urging unity and order. Both sides began to call “Ambrose for bishop!” and he felt compelled to accept despite having no prior theological training.
How did saint Ambrose defend orthodoxy?
He wrote seminal theological treatises, tirelessly preached his interpretation of Scripture to packed crowds across Italy, and used his position as Bishop to excommunicate opposing voices like Roman Emperor Theodosius I after a massacre.
What is Saint Ambrose the patron saint of?
He is the patron saint of beekeepers, bees, candle makers, domestic animals, French commissariat officers, learning, Milan, students, and wax refiners.
Why is Ambrose considered so pivotal in Latin Christianity?
His mentorship and baptism of St. Augustine of Hippo set Augustine on a path to convert to Christianity. Augustine became one of the most influential Christian philosophers and theologians in history. So Ambrose’s guidance shaped one of Christianity’s greatest theological voices for 1000+ years.
