December 7: Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor—Memorial

c. 339–c. 397
Patron Saint of beekeepers, bishops, candlemakers, domestic animals, geese, honey cake bakers, learning, livestock, police officers, schoolchildren, security personnel, starlings, and wax refiners
Pre-Congregation canonization

In 1298, Pope Boniface VIII named today’s saint as one of the four original Doctors of the Church, along with Saints Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great. Born into a prominent family, Ambrose’s father served as prefect of Gaul (France). A legend from his infancy states that a swarm of bees landed on his face and left a drop of honey, a sign of future greatness and eloquence. Ambrose was educated in Rome in rhetoric, law, and literature to prepare him for a political career. Common then, Ambrose was not baptized as an infant but remained a catechumen as an adult.

Around age thirty, Ambrose was appointed governor of the provinces of Emilia and Liguria, which included Milan. While Ambrose served as governor, the Church was suffering from internal division due to the ongoing effects of the Arian heresy. Despite Arianism’s condemnation at the Council of Nicaea in 325, many laity and clergy refused to reject the heresy and accept the Nicene Creed. 

In 374, the Arian Bishop of Milan died. Ambrose, concerned about turmoil in the city, offered to supervise the election of a new bishop. His eloquence led to respect from both sides—Catholics for his faith and Arians for his honor. As the crowd chanted “Ambrose for bishop,” Ambrose fled. But when Emperor Gratian approved his appointment, Ambrose was baptized, ordained a priest, and consecrated as bishop.

After his consecration, Bishop Ambrose began an intense period of theological and scriptural study. His approach to the Scriptures was unique – reading silently, reflecting upon the meaning in his heart. This practice of interiorly reading Scripture is known today as lectio divina and has become the standard method of praying with the Scriptures. His preaching drew large crowds to packed churches, and he committed himself to living his faith. He gave away most of his wealth and land, only keeping what was necessary to ensure his sister’s and family’s well-being. Quickly rejecting Arianism, Ambrose spent much time shepherding the people of his diocese and the rest praying and studying the Word of God.

Bishop Ambrose’s reputation caught the attention of Augustine of Hippo, who had resisted all his mother’s prayers for his conversion. Bishop Ambrose’s preaching, teaching, and qualities of wisdom and understanding led to Augustine’s conversion and baptism, setting him on the path of becoming one of the Church’s great saints who would have a strong influence on Western culture.

Bishop Ambrose influenced a series of Roman emperors for the good, leading them away from paganism and Arianism and to atone for acts of violence. In addition to being an outstanding pastor and powerful preacher, Saint Ambrose left behind writings that have had a great impact on the Church’s theological tradition in which he refuted Arianism and described the true natures of Christ and the Holy Spirit. He also composed hymns, penned commentaries on Sacred Scripture, and wrote on the Blessed Mother, the Sacraments, virginity, ethics, penance, and the duties of the clergy. 

Let us pray, Saint Ambrose, you embraced God’s call to become bishop with vigor and unwavering devotion. Through you, many lives were touched and continue to be through your writings and witness. Please pray that I will be more fully open to God’s will, surrendering my own preferences to God’s. Saint Ambrose of Milan, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.