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Also known as:
The Honey Tongued Doctor; Ambrogio
Memorial: 7 December
Profile
Roman nobility. Brother of Saint Marcellina and Saint Satyrus. Educated in
the classics, Greek, and philosophy at Rome. Poet and noted orator.
Convert. Governor of Milan.
When the bishop of Milan died, a dispute over his replacement was leading
to violence. Ambrose intervened to calm both sides; he impressed everyone
involved so much that while he was still an unbaptized catechuman, he was
chosen to fill the see. He resisted, claiming that he was not worthy, but
to prevent further violence, he assented, and on 7 December 374 he was
baptized, ordained as a priest, and consecrated as bishop. He immediately
gave away his wealth to the Church and the poor both for the good it did,
and as an example to his flock.
Preacher, teacher, bible student of renown, and writer of liturgical
hymns. He stood firm against pagans and Arians. His preaching helped
convert Saint Augustine of Hippo, whom Ambrose baptized and brought into
the Church. Ambrose's preaching brought Emperor Theodosius to do public
penance for his sins. He called and chaired several theological councils
during his time as bishop, many devoted to fighting heresy. Welcomed Saint
Ursus and Saint Alban of Mainz when they fled Naxos to escape Arian
persecution, and then sent them on to evangelize in Gaul and Germany.
Proclaimed a great Doctor of the Latin Church by Pope Boniface VIII in
1298.
The title "Honey Tongued Doctor," initially bestowed because of his
speaking and preaching ability, led to the use of a beehive and bees in
his iconography, symbols which also indicate wisdom. This led to his
association with bees, beekeepers, chandlers, wax refiners, etc.
"No one heals himself by wounding another." -Saint Ambrose
Born: c.340 in Trier, southern Gaul (modern Germany)
Died: Holy Saturday, 4 April 397 at Milan, Italy of natural causes;
relics at basilica of Milan
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Name Meaning: divine immortal
Patronage: bee keepers, bees, candle makers, chandlers, domestic
animals, French Commissariat, learning, Milan Italy, schoolchildren,
students, wax melters, wax refiners
Representation: bees; bishop holding a church in his hand beehive;
dove; man arguing with a pagan; ox; pen; scourge; with Saint Gregory the
Great, Saint Jerome and Saint Augustine of Hippo;
Readings
Our own evil inclinations are far more dangerous than any external
enemies.
Saint Ambrose
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But if these beings angels guard you, they do so because they have been
summoned by your prayers.
Saint Ambrose
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The Church of the Lord is built upon the rock of the apostles among so
many dangers in the world; it therefore remains unmoved. The Church's
foundation is unshakable and firm against assaults of the raging sea.
Waves lash at the Church but do not shatter it. Although the elements of
this world constantly beat upon the Church with crashing sounds, the
Church possesses the safest harbor of salvation for all in distress.
There is a stream which flows down on God's saints like a torrent. There
is also a rushing river giving joy to the heart that is at peace and makes
for peace.
He who reads much and understands much, receives his fill. he who is full,
refreshes others. So Scripture says: "If the clouds are full, they will
pour rain upon the earth."
Therefore, let your words be rivers, clean and limpid, so that you may
charm the ears of people. And by the grace of your words win them over to
follow your leadership. Solomon says: "The weapons of the understanding
are the lips of the wise"; and in another place he says: "Let your lips be
bound with wisdom." That is, let the meaning of your words shine forth,
let understanding blaze out. Let no word escape your lips in vain or be
uttered without depth of meaning.
from a letter by Saint Ambrose
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To avoid dissensions we should be ever on our guard, more especially with
those who drive us to argue with them, with those who vex and irritate us,
and who say things likely to excite us to anger. When we find ourselves in
company with quarrelsome, eccentric individuals, people who openly and
unblushingly say the most shocking things, difficult to put up with, we
should take refuge in silence, and the wisest plan is not to reply to
people whose behavior is so preposterous.
Those who insult us and treat us contumeliously are anxious for a spiteful
and sarcastic reply: the silence we then affect disheartens them, and they
cannot avoid showing their vexation; they do all they can to provoke us
and to elicit a reply, but the best way to baffle them is to say nothing,
refuse to argue with them, and to leave them to chew the cud of their
hasty anger. This method of bringing down their pride disarms them, and
shows them plainly that we slight and despise them.
Saint Ambrose, Offices, chapter 5
source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/sainta07.htm |
