The Saints: Saint Ambrose

C. 340 - 397 / Feast - Dec. 7

One of the doctors of the Latin Church, Ambrose was born in Germany. After the death of his father, prefect of Gaul, the family moved to Rome where he studied law. Named a governor in northern Italy, he was an honest official.

When Milan's bishop died, the people chose Ambrose, a catechumen, as bishop. He was baptized and ordained, then consecrated bishop on Dec. 7, 374. He fought the Arian heresy, advocated church rights and wrote important theological works. His sermons are credited with converting St. Augustine.