Biography
Aurelius Ambrosius was the Roman governor of Liguria and Emilia, headquartered in Milan. When the Bishop of Milan died, a fierce dispute broke out between Nicene Catholics and Arians over his successor. Ambrose attended the election to keep the peace. According to legend, a child in the crowd cried out, 'Ambrose, bishop!' and the crowd unanimously demanded he be made bishop. At the time, he was only an unbaptized catechumen. Within a week, he was baptized, ordained, and consecrated bishop. He became a fierce defender of orthodoxy, a prolific writer, and introduced congregational singing (hymns) to the Western Church. His preaching famously led to the conversion of St. Augustine. He fearlessly stood up to state power, excommunicating Emperor Theodosius for the massacre in Thessalonica and forcing him to do public penance.
Miracles & Signs
- ✦As an infant, a swarm of bees landed on his face and left a drop of honey on his lips (foreshadowing his 'honeyed' preaching)
- ✦Discovery of the relics of martyrs Gervasius and Protasius
Wisdom & Quotes
“When you are at Rome live in the Roman style; when you are elsewhere live as they live elsewhere.”
“No one heals himself by wounding another.”
“The Emperor is within the Church, not above the Church.”