St. Ambrose is the patron saint of Milan and one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. Serving as Bishop of Milan from 374 to 397 AD, he shaped the relationship between Church and State, inspired St. Augustine, and helped define Western Christian theology. His legacy endures through the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio in Milan, a Romanesque masterpiece he founded, and the Ambrosian Rite, a unique liturgical tradition still practiced in parts of Italy today.

When is St. Ambrose?

St. Ambrose in Italy is celebrated on December 7 each year.

The following is the list of St. Ambrose from 2020 to 2049.

The History of St. Ambrose?

Born around 340 AD in Trier (present-day Germany), Ambrose came from a Roman Christian family of high rank. Trained in law and rhetoric, he was appointed governor of Liguria and Emilia, based in Milan. At the time, Milan was not only an imperial capital but also a flashpoint between Nicene Christians and Arians.

In 374 AD, when Milan's bishop died, Ambrose was unexpectedly chosen as the new bishop—even though he wasn't yet baptized. Within a week, he was baptized, ordained, and consecrated.

As Bishop of Milan, Ambrose became one of the most powerful religious figures in Italy and the Western Roman Empire. Ambrose's leadership transformed Milan into a center of Christian thought, rivaling Rome in spiritual importance.

Ambrose is remembered for insisting that emperors were subject to God's law. He resisted Empress Justina's attempts to impose Arian worship in Milan.

In 390 AD, after the Massacre of Thessalonica, Ambrose forced Emperor Theodosius I to do public penance before he could receive Communion. This was a turning point in establishing the Church's moral authority over political rulers in Italy.

Ambrose introduced the Ambrosian Rite, a distinct liturgy still used in Milan today. He promoted Ambrosian chant, an early form of plainchant, which became a foundation for Western church music. He also commissioned several churches in Milan, including the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio (379–386), which remains one of Italy's most important Romanesque churches.

Ambrose's eloquent preaching deeply influenced St. Augustine of Hippo, who came to Milan as a skeptic. In 387 AD, Ambrose baptized Augustine at the Easter Vigil, an event that shaped the course of Western Christian theology.

Ambrose died on April 4, 397 AD in Milan. His relics are enshrined in the crypt of Sant'Ambrogio alongside the martyrs Gervasius and Protasius. Declared one of the Doctors of the Church, Ambrose became the patron saint of Milan. His feast day, December 7, is a holiday in Milan.