St. Ambrose
Feast 12-07 · Canonized Pre-Congregation
Patron of
About
Ambrose was born around 340 in Trier, in a Roman Christian family. He was serving as governor of Milan when, in 374, the people acclaimed him bishop while he was still a catechumen. He was baptized, ordained, and consecrated within a week, and he gave his wealth to the poor.
As bishop he defended the Church against Arianism, famously barring Emperor Theodosius from the cathedral until he repented of a massacre. A gifted preacher, he helped bring St. Augustine to the faith, and he wrote hymns and liturgical texts that shaped Western worship. He is one of the four great Doctors of the Western Church.
Legend says that as an infant a swarm of bees settled on his face and left a drop of honey, foretelling his eloquence. For this reason he is venerated as the patron saint of beekeepers, candle makers, and students. He died on April 4, 397, and his feast is kept on December 7.
Suggested prayer
O God, who made Ambrose a fearless shepherd of Your Church and gave his words the sweetness of honey, grant through his intercession that beekeepers and all who preach may serve You with eloquence and truth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
