Fourth-century bishop of Milan and Doctor of the Church who baptized St. Augustine.
Life
Saint Ambrose was born around 340 in Trier, in present-day Germany, the son of a high Roman official. He studied law and became governor of the province centered on Milan.
In 374, when Arians and the orthodox were quarrelling over the election of Milan's bishop, he went to the church to keep order and was acclaimed bishop by the people. Still a catechumen, he was quickly baptized and ordained bishop. He studied Scripture deeply and preached, defended the faith against the Arians and, after the massacre at Thessalonica, required Emperor Theodosius to do public penance. His preaching greatly influenced the conversion of Augustine, whom he baptized in 387.
He died in 397. The Church remembers this Doctor of the Church on December 7, the day of his episcopal ordination.
Spirituality
Ambrose's spirituality is the courageous life of a shepherd rooted in God's word. He became bishop unexpectedly, yet prepared himself through study of Scripture and prayer, and did not bend the truth even before the emperor. The hymns he wrote helped the faithful keep their faith by singing together.
Reflection
The preaching of Ambrose led Augustine to God. Are my words and my life a door to God for the people around me?