Ambrose
was born into a Christian family. His father was a Prefect of Gaul and
his mother a pious lady. Both his brother, Satyrus, and his sister,
Marcellina, are canonized saints.
By the age of thirty-three,
Ambrose was an accomplished lawyer, the Governor of Milan and owner of a
large estate. Though confessedly of Christian persuasion, he was not as
yet baptized.
In the last quarter of the fourth century, many
heresies harassed the Church. Perhaps, one of the most virulent was that
of Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ. When the bishop of
Milan, an Arian, died in 374, party strife broke out in the city. Some
citizens demanded an Arian bishop be appointed to succeed him, others an
orthodox Catholic one.
Walking into an angry assembly which had
convened in a church, Governor Ambrose began to appeal that they settle
things more peaceably. Suddenly a voice shouted, “Ambrose for bishop!”
and the cry was taken up by the crowd.
Ambrose ran and hid in the
house of a senator friend. The Emperor, however, insisted that the
governor accept the responsibility and he ultimately submitted. Many
expected him to rule as an Arian, but the same stubbornness with which
he had resisted the ecclesiastical appointment, he now employed in
serving the Truth.
He began by assiduously applying himself to
the study of Holy Scriptures and theology, his knowledge of Greek
greatly facilitating his studies. Eventually, he who had begun as a
jurist succeeded as a theologian. A great orator, he influenced the
conversion of St. Augustine of Hippo, who was impressed with his
erudition on sacred themes, and mentions the illustrious bishop in his Confessions.
Adopting
a personal life of simplicity and hard work, Ambrose devoted himself
entirely to the service of his flock. Throughout his episcopate he was
loving and strong, protecting his flock against Arianism, paganism, and
the demands of rulers who gave their allegiance to the Arian heresy.
Several times he heroically refused to hand over the churches to the
Arian Empress Justina, regent for her young son, Valentinian II. He
prevailed every time.
Despite his differences with the empress,
as a statesman, he was called twice to advocate the cause of Justina
with Magnus Maximus, a former military man, who had usurped the power in
Gaul and who wished to take the reins of government in Italy as well.
The first time Ambrose prevailed, the second time Maximus went ahead
with the take-over. When he invaded Milan, Ambrose melted Church gold
plate to relieve the sufferers.
Theodosius I, Emperor of the East
came to the aid of Italy, and regained power from Maximus. Though St.
Ambrose confronted him severely on some issues, they had a good
relationship.
Ambrose ruled not only with great administrative
ability, but also ranks with Sts. Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the
Great as one of the greatest theologians and Doctors of the Church.
He died on April 4, 397 and his body is venerated in the Church of Sant'Ambrogio in his city of Milan.
Monday, December 7, 2020
St. Ambrose of Milan
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