St Ambrose

St Ambrose (c.339-397) was doctor of the Church who became bishop of Milan in 374. He was one of the Fathers of the Latin Church, and a zealous opponent of the Arian heresy. He is known for introducing much Eastern theology and liturgical practice into the West.

He was born at Trèves. As a stern puritan, he refused to allow Theodosius to enter his church, covered as his hands were with the blood of an infamous massacre, and only admitted him to Church privilege after a severe penance of eight months.

He improved the Church service, wrote several hymns, which are reckoned his most valuable legacy to the Church. His writings fill two vols. folio. He is the Patron saint of Milan. His attributes are a 'scourge', from his severity; and a 'beehive', from the tradition that a swarm of bees settled on his mouth when an Infant without hurting him. Festival, Dec. 7.

Wisdom & Quotes

• When I am here ( in Milan ) , I do not fast on the Sabbath ; When I am at Rome, I do fast on the Sabbath.

- Letters to Augustine

St Jerome