| Ambrose of Milan (December 7th) was born into a Christian family in Trier, the Rhineland, in 340. His father was the Roman prefect, and so Ambrose received a superior classical education. He became a successful lawyer, and ca. 370 he was appointed governor in northern Italy, with his residence in the powerful city of Milan.
Upon the bishop’s death in 373, the issue of a successor provoked violent conflicts between orthodox Christians and the Arians, a large and powerful party of Christians who did not accept the teachings of the Council of Nicea. As governor, Ambrose became involved as a mediator between the battling sides. At the assembly convened for the election of the new bishop, he exhorted the short-fused crowd to keep the peace and obey the law. During his speech, a voice (witnesses said it was a child) was heard to say “Bishop Ambrose.” The whole crowd, Arians and orthodox alike, took up the chant “Ambrose shall be our bishop!” This astonishing scene is the more remarkable as Ambrose, although a professed Christian, had not been baptized! He protested and pleaded against his election, but in vain. Within the week, he was both baptized and consecrated a bishop, the ordination taking place on Dec. 7, 373.
Bishop Ambrose at once gave his personal wealth to the poor and his estates to the Church and devoted himself to the study of Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers. He quickly gained renown as a defender of orthodoxy and as a statesman for the Church. He was the first to address the issue of Church/State relations, and successfully asserted the Church’s authority in its own affairs and in matters of morality (he even forced the hot-headed Emperor to do public penance!). Ambrose died on Good Friday, April 4, 397. Six of his hymn-texts are included in Hymnal 1982. |
