St. Ambrose
Feast day: December 7
St. Ambrose was one of the four original Doctors of the Church and an important theological figure of the fourth century. Born the son of a Roman official in Gaul, Ambrose practiced law in Rome. He served as the governor of Aemilia-Liguria before being appointed bishop of Milan. As bishop, Ambrose battled paganism and the Arian heresy. He was known for his writings, which included homilies, hymns, commentaries on the Scriptures and mystical writings. He had a notable influence on St. Augustine of Hippo whom he eventually baptized. Ambrose died in 397. He is the patron saint of Milan and of beekeepers.
Collect
O God, who made the Bishop Saint Ambrose
a teacher of the Catholic faith
and a model of apostolic courage,
raise up in your Church men after your own heart
to govern her with courage and wisdom.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
