Memorial of St. Ambrose

Today, December 7, is the memorial of Saint Ambrose.

Doctor of the Church.

Ambrose was born to the Roman nobility. He was the brother of Saint Marcellina and Saint Satyrus. He was educated in the classics, Greek, and philosophy at Rome, Italy.

When the bishop of Milan died, a dispute over his replacement led to violence. Ambrose was the peace-maker of both sides. Everyone was impressed that though he was still an unbaptized catechumen, he was chosen as the new bishop. Ambrose flatly said no, telling them that he was not worthy. However, with the threat of more violence, he agreed, and thus on December 7, 374 he was baptized, ordained as a priest, and consecrated as bishop. As he was a rich man, he promptly gave away his wealth to the Church and the poor, serving as a good example to his flock.

Ambrose was a noted preacher and teacher, a Bible student of renown, and writer of liturgical hymns. He is credited for composing “Veni redemptor gentium,” an Advent/Christmas hymn. He fought paganism and Arianism.

His preaching helped convert Saint Augustine of Hippo, whom Ambrose baptized and brought into the Church. Ambrose’s preaching brought Emperor Theodosius to do public penance for his sins. He called and chaired several theological councils during his time as bishop. Most of these councils were to fight heresy. He left behind many writings.

Ambrose died of natural causes in 397. He was proclaimed Doctor of the Latin Church in 1298. He is one of the four great Latin Doctors of the Church, alongside Saints Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great.