Born in 340 in what is now Germany, his father was a Roman Prefect and he was the youngest of three children. 

According to legend, bees swarmed over his face when he was a baby, leaving a coat of honey. His father saw this as a sign of future eloquence, and this is why images of Ambrose often have beehives. 

His father died when he was still young but Ambrose was able to continue his studies which took him to Rome where he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a public servant. 

Eventually, he was made governor of the Lombard region in northern Italy where he developed a well-earned reputation for his ability to handle difficult issues. 

It was during this time when the divide between Arians who denied the Divinity of Christ and Catholics was at its deepest. 

In Milan, which was close to violence between these two groups, Ambrose was asked to moderate a heated debate. Not only did he succeed in keeping the peace, but he was elected Bishop. 

Ambrose was fearless. When the Empress demanded that two Basilicas be handed over to the Arians he refused, telling her she would have to execute him if she wanted them. 

He also stood up to the Emperor after the massacre of seven thousand Thessalonians who had revolted, saying: ”The Emperor is in The Church, not above it.” 

The Emperor not only recanted but did public penance. 

He was a prolific writer, a tireless warrior against heresy, and had a great understanding of scripture. And, of course, he was the mentor of St. Augustine. 

Guiding Ambrose always was his love for The Blessed Mother and Jesus. 

St. Ambrose, please pray for us.