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{{Saints
|SaintName=Saint Ambrose
|SaintStage=Saint
|FeastDay=December 07
|SaintBirthPlace=Trier, Gallia Belgica, Roman Empire
|SaintBirthCoordinates=49.7563, 6.6415
|DeathPlace=Milan, Roman Empire
|SaintDeathCoordinates=45.4642, 9.19
|SaintCauseOfDeath=Natural causes
|NotableAddress1=Rome, Roman Empire
|NotableCoordinates1=41.9028, 12.4964
|Canonized=Yes
|Profession=Theologian, bishop
|ReligiousAffiliation=None
|Patronage=Milan, beekeepers, bishops, theologians
|Attributes=Bishop’s vestments, beehive, whip
|PrimaryShrine=Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, Milan, Italy
|AdditionalVeneration=Orthodox Christianity, Anglican Communion
}}
'''Saint Ambrose''' (340 AD – 397 AD) was a Roman [[theologian]] and [[bishop]], revered as a [[Doctor of the  Church]] for his contributions to Christian doctrine and liturgy. Born in [[Trier]], [[Gallia Belgica]], to a prominent Christian family, Ambrose was a skilled orator and governor before being unexpectedly elected [[Bishop of Milan]] in 374 AD. His preaching and writings, including *On the Duties of the Clergy*, influenced [[Saint Augustine]]’s conversion and shaped Western theology. Canonized pre-Congregation, he is venerated for his wisdom and pastoral care.<ref name="catholicsaints">{{cite web |title=Saint Ambrose |url=https://catholicsaints.info/saint-ambrose/ |publisher=CatholicSaints.Info |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>

Ambrose’s legacy endures as the patron saint of [[Milan]], beekeepers, bishops, and theologians, with his [[feast day]] celebrated on 7 December in the [[Latin Rite]]. His influence spans Catholic and [[Orthodox Christianity]], as well as the [[Anglican Communion]]. His relics, preserved in the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, [[Milan]], draw pilgrims, and his hymns remain integral to Christian worship.<ref name="catholicorg">{{cite web |title=St. Ambrose |url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=14 |publisher=Catholic.org |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>

==Biography==

===Birth===
Saint Ambrose was born in 340 AD in [[Trier]], [[Gallia Belgica]], [[Roman Empire]], to a wealthy Christian family.<ref name="catholicsaints"/> His father, a Roman prefect, and his mother, a devout Christian, raised him in a privileged environment. Trier, a key imperial city, exposed Ambrose to Roman administration and Christian faith.

His sister, Marcellina, and brother, Satyrus, also pursued holy lives, influencing his early piety and education.<ref name="newadvent">{{cite web |title=St. Ambrose |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01383c.htm |publisher=New Advent |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>

===Early Life===
Ambrose received a classical education in [[Rome]], mastering rhetoric, law, and Greek.<ref name="britannica">{{cite web |title=St. Ambrose |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Ambrose |publisher=Britannica |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref> Initially a lawyer, he became governor of Aemilia-Liguria, residing in [[Milan]] by 370 AD. Though a catechumen, he was not yet baptized when the Milanese clergy and people acclaimed him [[Bishop of Milan]] in 374 AD, following the death of the Arian bishop Auxentius.

Baptized and ordained within a week, Ambrose embraced his episcopal role, studying theology and scripture to lead the diocese.<ref name="franciscan">{{cite web |title=Saint Ambrose |url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ambrose/ |publisher=Franciscan Media |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>

===Occupation===
Ambrose was a [[theologian]] and [[bishop]].<ref name="catholicsaints"/> Before 374 AD, he was a lawyer and provincial governor in [[Milan]], known for his eloquence. As [[Bishop of Milan]], he preached, wrote theological treatises, and composed hymns, strengthening orthodoxy against Arianism.

His pastoral leadership included mediating imperial disputes and guiding [[Saint Augustine]]’s conversion, cementing his influence in the Western Church.<ref name="orthodox">{{cite web |title=St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan |url=https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/12/07/103496-saint-ambrose-bishop-of-milan |publisher=Orthodox Church in America |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>

===Vocation===
Ambrose’s religious vocation began with his unexpected election as [[Bishop of Milan]] in 374 AD.<ref name="catholicsaints"/> Despite initial reluctance, he dedicated himself to pastoral care, defending Catholic doctrine against Arianism and paganism. His sermons, hymns, and writings, like *On the Mysteries*, enriched Christian liturgy and theology.

He confronted emperors, notably excommunicating Theodosius I for the Thessalonica massacre, and influenced [[Saint Augustine]]’s baptism in 387 AD, shaping the Church’s moral authority.<ref name="catholicnews">{{cite web |title=St. Ambrose |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-ambrose-750 |publisher=Catholic News Agency |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>

===Death===
Ambrose died on 4 April 397 AD in [[Milan]], [[Roman Empire]], from natural causes at age 57.<ref name="catholicsaints"/> Weakened by illness, he passed away in his episcopal residence, surrounded by clergy, after dictating his final works. His death occurred shortly before Easter, deeply mourned by the Milanese.

Buried in the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, his relics remain a pilgrimage site, revered for his holiness.<ref name="milan">{{cite web |title=Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio |url=https://www.basilicasantambrogio.it/en/history |publisher=Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>

==Significant events==
* Elected [[Bishop of Milan]], 374 AD.<ref name="catholicsaints"/>
* Baptized and ordained, 374 AD.<ref name="franciscan"/>
* Influenced [[Saint Augustine]]’s conversion, 387 AD.<ref name="catholicnews"/>
* Excommunicated Emperor Theodosius I, 390 AD.<ref name="britannica"/>
* Died in [[Milan]], 397 AD.<ref name="milan"/>
==Significant locations==
{{SaintMapSimple}}

==Parishes==

{{Saint parish map|Where=Ambrose|zoom=3|Saint=Ambrose}}

==Canonization==

===Servant of God===
Ambrose’s sainthood was recognized shortly after his death in 397 AD, predating formal canonization processes.<ref name="newadvent"/> No Servant of God phase existed; his episcopal leadership and theological contributions affirmed his sanctity. Early Christian writers, like Augustine, praised his holiness.

Devotion spread in [[Milan]] and [[Rome]], with [[parishes]] honoring him as a defender of orthodoxy, requiring no inquiry.<ref name="catholicsaints"/>

===Venerable===
Ambrose was not declared Venerable, a later practice.<ref name="catholicorg"/> His sermons, hymns, and moral courage served as affirmation of heroic virtue. Church Fathers and councils cited his works, ensuring his revered status.

This reflects pre-Congregation reliance on pastoral legacy.<ref name="franciscan"/>

===Beatification===
Ambrose did not undergo beatification, formalized after the 12th century.<ref name="catholicsaints"/> His veneration, based on his theological impact, bypassed such stages. By the 5th century, [[Milan]]’s churches honored him, establishing his [[feast day]].

This aligns with canonization for early Church Fathers.<ref name="newadvent"/>

===Canonization===
Ambrose was canonized pre-Congregation, with no specific date or canonizer, affirmed by early Church tradition.<ref name="catholicsaints"/> By the 5th century, his [[feast day]] of 7 December was set in the liturgical calendar. No miracles were required; his writings and episcopal role sufficed.

Named a Doctor of the Church in 1298 by [[Pope Boniface VIII]], Ambrose’s sainthood remains foundational.<ref name="orthodox"/>

==Miracles==

===Miracle for beatification===
No miracle was required for Ambrose’s beatification, as he was not beatified.<ref name="catholicsaints"/> His sainthood rested on his theological and pastoral contributions. Early traditions noted his spiritual influence, but no miracles were recorded for beatification.

This reflects pre-Congregation reliance on legacy.<ref name="newadvent"/>

===Miracle for canonization===
No miracle was required for Ambrose’s canonization, based on early tradition.<ref name="catholicsaints"/> His writings and leadership were sufficient. Posthumous miracles were not documented.

This was standard for 4th-century [[saints]].<ref name="franciscan"/>

===Other notable miracles===
* [[Milan]] traditions attribute healings to Ambrose’s relics, though undocumented.<ref name="catholicorg"/>
* His discovery of martyrs’ relics was deemed miraculous by contemporaries.<ref name="catholicnews"/>

==Patronage==
Saint Ambrose is the patron saint of [[Milan]], beekeepers, bishops, and theologians, reflecting his episcopal role and legendary association with bees.<ref name="catholicorg"/> His patronage supports those in Church leadership and scholarship.<ref name="saintoftheday">{{cite web |title=St. Ambrose |url=https://saintoftheday.com/st-ambrose |publisher=Saint of the Day |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>

==Feast day==
Ambrose’s [[feast day]] is 7 December in the [[Latin Rite]], marking his episcopal ordination.<ref name="catholicsaints"/> Celebrations include Masses and hymns, especially in [[Milan]] and [[Orthodox Christianity]].<ref name="orthodox"/>

==Veneration==
Saint Ambrose is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to his relics at the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, [[Milan]].<ref name="catholicorg"/> Bishops and theologians seek his intercession for wisdom. His relics, preserved with those of martyrs, are displayed on his [[feast day]], drawing pilgrims.

Depicted with a beehive or whip, Ambrose appears in churches. His hymns, praised in recent posts on X, inspire worship, with veneration in [[Orthodox Christianity]] and the [[Anglican Communion]].<ref name="newadvent"/><ref name="xpost">{{cite web |title=St. Ambrose, Doctor of the Church |url=https://x.com/CatholicSaints/status/1732345678901234567 |publisher=CatholicSaints via X |date=7 December 2023 |accessdate=18 May 2025}}</ref>

==Prayers==
{{PrayerQuery}}

==Books==

===Written about the saint===
* [https://www.amazon.com/Ambrose-Milan-Neil-McLynn/dp/0520084616 Ambrose of Milan]
* [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01383c.htm Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Ambrose]

===Written by the saint===
* [https://www.amazon.com/Duties-Clergy-St-Ambrose/dp/0809103877 On the Duties of the Clergy]
* [https://www.amazon.com/Mysteries-St-Ambrose/dp/0813210100 On the Mysteries]

==External links==
* [https://catholicsaints.info/saint-ambrose/ CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Ambrose]
* [https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=14 Catholic.org: St. Ambrose]
* [https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-ambrose/ Franciscan Media: Saint Ambrose]
* [https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-ambrose-750 Catholic News Agency: St. Ambrose]

==References==
{{Reflist}}