St. Ambrose of Milan: Bishop, Teacher and Doctor of the Church
Quick answer
St. Ambrose (about 339–397) was a Roman governor in Milan who, while still a catechumen, was acclaimed bishop by the people in 374. He became one of the great pastors and teachers of the early Church. He defended the faith against Arianism, stood firm against emperors, wrote hymns still sung today, and baptized St. Augustine in 387. He is one of the four original Doctors of the Western Church. His feast is December 7.
Key takeaways
- He was governor of the province around Milan when the people demanded he be their bishop.
- He was baptized and ordained within a week.
- He required Emperor Theodosius to do public penance after the massacre of Thessalonica.
- He introduced congregational hymn singing in the West.
St. Ambrose was not a priest, not even baptized, when he was made a bishop. Yet he became one of the greatest bishops in the history of the Church, and his preaching helped bring St. Augustine to Christ.
A Roman Official
Ambrose was born around 339 in Trier, in what is now Germany, where his father was a high Roman official. After his father’s death, the family moved to Rome. Ambrose studied law and rhetoric and entered government service. Around 370 he became governor of Liguria and Aemilia, with his seat in Milan.
“Ambrose for Bishop!”
In 374 the bishop of Milan died. The city was bitterly divided between Catholics and Arians, who denied that Christ is fully divine. Ambrose went to the cathedral to keep order during the election. According to tradition, a child’s voice cried out, “Ambrose for bishop!” and the whole crowd took up the cry.
Ambrose was still a catechumen. He tried to escape, but finally accepted. Within a week he was baptized, ordained and consecrated bishop on December 7, 374. He gave his wealth to the poor and the Church and began to study Scripture and the Fathers intensely.
A Fearless Pastor
Ambrose defended the faith of the Council of Nicaea against the Arians. When the empress Justina demanded a church in Milan for Arian worship, Ambrose and his people occupied it day and night, singing hymns, until the imperial troops withdrew.
In 390 Emperor Theodosius ordered a massacre in the city of Thessalonica, in which thousands died. Ambrose wrote to the emperor that he could not receive the sacraments until he did penance. Theodosius did public penance before being readmitted to Communion. It was a remarkable sign that even emperors are subject to God’s law.
Hymns and Teaching
Ambrose wrote hymns for his people to sing, some still used in the Liturgy of the Hours. He preached on Scripture, the sacraments and virginity, and wrote one of the first Christian treatises on moral duties.
Ambrose and Augustine
In 384 a brilliant young teacher of rhetoric came to Milan. Augustine went to hear Ambrose preach, first for his style and then for his message. Ambrose’s preaching opened Scripture to him, and on Easter night 387 Ambrose baptized him. Augustine later wrote with affection of this bishop who welcomed him like a father.
Ambrose died on Holy Saturday, April 4, 397.
A Prayer for Bishops (Original Prayer)
St. Ambrose, you shepherded your people with courage and love. Pray for our bishops, that they may teach the truth and stand firm in the faith. And help me open my heart to God’s word. Amen.
Continue Reading
Read about St. Augustine of Hippo, his mother St. Monica, or Emperor Constantine.
Frequently asked questions
When is the feast of St. Ambrose?
December 7, the anniversary of his ordination as bishop.
Why is St. Ambrose shown with a beehive?
A legend says bees landed on his mouth as a baby, a sign of his future eloquence. He is the patron of beekeepers.
What is the Ambrosian Rite?
The ancient liturgy of the Archdiocese of Milan, which bears his name and is still celebrated there today.
Sources
- Paulinus of Milan, Life of St. Ambrose
- St. Augustine, Confessions, Books V–IX
- St. Ambrose, De Officiis, De Mysteriis, Letters and Hymns
- Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience on St. Ambrose (October 24, 2007)
