He Gave It All Up...

Today's saint had it all...a successful career, a position in the government, the esteem of the emperor and all the possessions and wealth that come with it.  However, he felt a call that he could not refuse.

St. Ambrose

Feast Day:  December 7
Born: 340
Death: 397
Patron of bee keepers; bees; candlemakers; chandlers
Born in modern day France
Roman Christian family
Bishop of Milan

Ambrose was born to a pious family with siblings who are also considered saints.  There is a legend that as an infant, a swarm of bees settled on his face while he lay in his cradle, leaving behind a drop of honey. His father considered this a sign of his future eloquence and honeyed tongue.

Although his father died when he was young, Ambrose would study and follow in his father's profession.  By 372, Ambrose would be named governor of Milan, second largest city of the empire.  He was a very popular and esteemed member of the court.

However, in 374 a turn of events led to a change in the life of Ambrose.  At this time the bishop of Milan die and a fight broke out in the city as they tried to determine who should take on this role.  Still a catechumen, Ambrose was placed in the middle of this feud between the Catholics and Arians (a heretic group that did not believe in the full divinity of Christ).  Suddenly, a child's voice was heard calling, "Make Ambrose the bishop!"  The crowd agreed that Ambrose should take on this religious role.  He was soon baptized and made bishop within days!

It seems he just as quickly gave up all his worldly possessions and began to learn as much as he could from the writings of the Church Fathers and Scripture.  He had little care for the Arian movement before he became bishop; however, he quickly had the heresy removed from the diocese.  Unfortunately, the Arians would not give up  so easily.  They appealed their position to various leaders until they had the backing of enough to call a general council from all parts of the empire.  A synod composed of thirty-two bishops was held at Aquileia in the year 381. Ambrose led the council, but Palladius was asked to refute the Arian views but did not make himself present.  When a vote was made by the council the Arian leaders were removed from their episcopal offices.  The heresy continued to thrive in the empire and Ambrose would continue to teach the true faith.  He was asked to give over the possession of the basilica, but he refused.  Bishop Ambrose declared:

"If you demand my person, I am ready to submit: carry me to prison or to death, I will not resist; but I will never betray the church of Christ. I will not call upon the people to succour me; I will die at the foot of the altar rather than desert it. The tumult of the people I will not encourage: but God alone can appease it."

He used his gift to learn and express his knowledge as he began to lead the people in the faith.  His preaching caught the eye of a young wayward man by the name of Augustine.  It was through this friendship that Ambrose was able to teach him and bring Augustine (feast day in August) back into the fold.

After many years of leadership, Ambrose retired from his position and died peacefully in 397.
Ambrose wrote much on the Scriptures and Fathers, preached a homily every Sunday.  All of these writings were influential in the future teachings of the Church.  He composed many hymns, promoted sacred chant, and took a great interest in the Liturgy.  He is considered one of the Doctors of the Church.

St. Ambrose, pray for us!