Saint Ambrose

Explore the life and legacy of Saint Ambrose (c. 339–397), the Bishop of Milan, Doctor of the Church, opponent of Arianism, hymnographer, and influential theologian. Learn about his biography, teachings, important works, and enduring quotations.

Introduction

Saint Ambrose (Latin: Ambrosius), born around 339 and died in 397, is one of the great figures of the early Christian Church. As Bishop of Milan, he played a pivotal role in defending Nicene orthodoxy, shaping church-state relations, preaching vigorously, and influencing many, including Saint Augustine, whom he baptized. He is also remembered for his Latin writings, letters, sermons, and hymns, as well as being one of the four original Latin Doctors of the Church.

Early Life and Family

Ambrose was born around 339 in Augusta Treverorum (modern Trier, in present-day Germany), in the Roman province of Gallia Belgica.

Ambrose had two siblings: a sister Marcellina, who embraced a virginal Christian life, and a brother Satyrus.

According to tradition, when Ambrose was an infant, a swarm of bees settled on his face and left honey on his tongue. His father reputedly interpreted this as a sign of future eloquence or sweetness of speech.

Education and Public Service

In Rome, Ambrose received training in rhetoric, law, and classical literature—skills that would later serve both his political and ecclesiastical roles. governor (consular prefect) of Liguria and Emila, centered in Milan (then called Mediolanum).

By around 372, Ambrose held public office in Milan in that capacity.

Election as Bishop of Milan

In 374, the bishop of Milan, Auxentius, an Arian (whose views denied the full divinity of Christ), died.

When Ambrose attended a public assembly in the cathedral to calm tensions, a voice cried out, “Ambrose for bishop!” The crowd agreed, and despite his protests—he was still a catechumen (i.e. not baptized or ordained)—he was chosen by popular acclaim.

Within eight days, he was baptized, ordained through the clerical ranks, and consecrated bishop on December 7, 374.

Ambrose then distributed his personal wealth to the poor, supported the Church, and assumed a life of simplicity and pastoral service.

Bishop of Milan: Leadership, Conflict, and Theology

Defense of Nicene Orthodoxy & Opposition to Arianism

Ambrose became a steadfast opponent of Arianism, defending the doctrine that Christ is fully divine and consubstantial with the Father.

One notable conflict was with Empress Justina, mother of Emperor Valentinian II, who attempted to impose Arian bishops in Milan. Ambrose refused, held firm, and ultimately compelled the imperial court to retreat.

Church and Imperial Authority

Ambrose articulated a vision of the independence and authority of the Church over moral and doctrinal matters, even over emperors. He famously confronted Emperor Theodosius I after the massacre in Thessalonica in 390, demanding public penance before readmission to communion.

His role influenced later medieval conceptions of the relation between spiritual and temporal powers.

Writings, Sermons, and Teaching

Ambrose was a prolific writer. His works include:

• De officiis ministrorum ("On the Duties of the Clergy") — ethical guidance for ministry.

• De viduis, De virginitate, De paenitentia — treatises on Christian life, virtues, and penitence.

• Exegetical works such as Exameron (a commentary on the creation days)

• Numerous sermons and letters defending orthodoxy and pastoral teaching.

Ambrose is also credited with pioneering or popularizing Latin Christian hymnody. He composed or inspired many hymns (such as Veni redemptor gentium, Deus creator omnium, Aeterne rerum conditor) which became central to Western Christian worship. Te Deum and the institution of Ambrosian chant, modern scholarship regards those claims as uncertain or symbolic.

Ambrose advised flexibility in liturgical practice, famously encouraging Augustine: “When in Rome, fast Saturday; when in Milan, do not; follow the custom of the church where you are.”

Relationship with Saint Augustine

One of Ambrose’s greatest influences was his mentorship and conversion of Augustine of Hippo. Augustine, hearing Ambrose preach, was drawn not simply by rhetorical elegance but by the depth of Christian interpretation.

Augustine later spoke of Ambrose’s graciousness, intellectual openness, and spiritual depth, crediting him as pivotal in his Christian journey.

Later Years, Death, and Canonization

As Ambrose grew older, he continued in episcopal service, issuing sermons, letters, and pastoral direction. He also intervened in imperial politics and ecclesial controversies.

He died on April 4, 397, in Milan (then Mediolanum). Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio in Milan.

Ambrose was later venerated as a saint and declared a Doctor of the Church, recognized for his theological and spiritual contributions. December 7.

Legacy and Influence

Saint Ambrose’s legacy is rich and far-reaching:

• Doctor of the Church & Father of the Western Church: Among the four Latin Church Fathers (Ambrose, Augustine, Jerome, Gregory the Great).

• Theology and ecclesiology: He shaped early Christian doctrine, especially regarding Trinitarian theology and the role of bishops.

• Church-State relations: His assertive stance that even emperors are subject to moral and doctrinal authority influenced medieval and later Christian political thought.

• Christian worship and hymnody: His hymns remain part of Christian liturgical tradition, and his influence is echoed in Western Christian music.

• Spiritual example: His pastoral zeal, moral courage, and intellectual integration of faith and culture continue to inspire believers.

• Patronage: Ambrose is traditionally considered the patron saint of Milan and of beekeepers, in light of the bee image in his infancy legend.

Personality, Strengths, and Traits

From his life and writings, we see several salient traits:

• Rhetorical skill and eloquence: His legal and classical training gave him a mastery of language that served his preaching and writing.

• Courage and moral conviction: He was willing to confront emperors and challenge abuses from power.

• Pastoral compassion: He distributed goods to the poor, cared for orphans, and lived simply after becoming bishop.

• Intellectual openness: Though strong in doctrine, he engaged with classical philosophy and adapted elements of culture when compatible with faith.

• Spiritual depth and discipline: His ascetic life, exegesis, and internal reflection reveal commitment to interior transformation.

Notable Quotes and Spiritual Sayings

Here are a few attributed quotations or teachings of Saint Ambrose:

“When in Rome, fast Saturday; when in Milan, do not; follow the custom of the church where you are.”

“In every act of kindness, let the light of Christ shine forth.”

“Whoever does not love remains in death.”

“No one without humility is acceptable to God.”

“The teaching of the Church must be understood before it is believed.”

“Riches do not frighten me; poverty does not humble me; but the fear of God strips me of all.”

Many of these are drawn from his sermons and treatises.

Lessons from Saint Ambrose

From his life and witness, several lessons emerge:

1. Speak truth to power with integrity
   Ambrose showed that religious leaders can—and sometimes must—challenge rulers when moral or doctrinal integrity is at stake.

2. Let faith engage culture wisely
   He did not reject classical learning outright, but discerned how to integrate it into Christian teaching—showing that faith and intellectual culture can converse.

3. Live what you teach
   Ambrose practiced generosity, asceticism, and pastoral care in alignment with his moral teachings.

4. Leadership requires humility and courage
   Though elevated to bishop by popular demand, he accepted the call humbly, even as he would later act boldly.

5. Worship nourishes doctrine
   His emphasis on hymnody and liturgy underlines that faith is not merely an intellectual system but lived and sung.

6. Discernment and adaptability
   His advice to respect local customs (e.g. liturgical practices) suggests that Christian unity need not always mean uniformity in nonessential practices.

Conclusion

Saint Ambrose of Milan remains a towering figure in Christian history—a leader who combined eloquence, conviction, pastoral zeal, and theological depth. From his dramatic election to the episcopate, through conflicts with emperors, to mentoring Augustine and shaping Christian worship, his life intertwines faith, culture, and moral witness. His legacy lives on in the doctrines he defended, the hymns he inspired, and the church he helped shape.