“No one heals himself by wounding another.”

Saint Ambrose, also known as Aurelius Ambrosius, is one of the four original doctors of the Church. He was on one of the most important theological figures of the 4th century.

He was born around 340 AD to a Roman Christian Family of great prestige in Belgic Gaul, present-day Germany. After his father’s passing, he went to Rome to study law, literature and rhetoric. Like his father, he was made Governor, where he remained until 374, becoming Bishop of Milan at his refusal. He had attended the election to prevent uproars between the Nicene Church and the Arians. He was held in high regard with both and gave a speech that encouraged the assembly to call for him to be the next bishop.

He donated all of his land and gave his money to the poor, often times becoming more politically powerful than even the emperor.

He was a great influence of Saint Augustine, uprooting him from his ways, and leading him to Christ.

The Arian heretics, which included the emperor, increased in strength but Ambrose aways stayed a step ahead. He wrote several works against them. They demanded that some of the churches in Milan be dedicated to them, which Ambrose refused. He appeared before their council and spoke eloquently in defense stating that he’d rather be put in prison or to death than to betray the Church of Christ. He was sent before a political opponent, Magnus Maximus, and was successful in keeping him from war with Italy, but only temporarily. During a second attempt, Milan was taken but Ambrose stayed, serving those who suffered.

Continuously they tried to take the Churches but Ambrose and the congregation barricaded themselves within until they rescinded.

His greatest contribution was church-state relations, wrestling with 3 emperors and having won each time and still maintaining their high regards of him. He introduced the concept of a Christian emperor as a dutiful son of the Church serving under orders from Christ.

He fell gravely ill and the country worried about his recovery. On Easter eve he died at the age of 58.

“Our own evil inclinations are far more dangerous than any external enemies.”

He is the patron saint of bee keepers, candle makers, learning, and Commissariat – French Army.

His feast day is December 7.

For God’s Glory.