Saint Ambrose (Sant’Ambrogio) is patron saint of Milan and one of the most important saints, recognized by all Christian churches. Catholics celebrate his Day on 7th of December, and in Milan it is a major city holiday.
Saint Ambrose’s real name was Aurelio Ambrogio, and he was a bishop, writer and one of the most important figures in the IV century church, being one of the four original Doctors of the Church. His family had been Christians for several generations, and one of Ambrose’s relatives was Santa Sotere, a Christian martyr. Two sibling of Ambrose also became saints post-humously.
His father wanted Ambrose to have an administrative career. He was sent to the best school in Rome to study philosophy, theology and literature. He then went on to participate in the public life of the city. After several years in advocacy, Ambrose was appointed governor of one of the Roman provinces, with a seat in Milan. In 374, when the Bishop of Milan died, the citizens of Milan gathered in church for the elections. A child suddenly cried: “Bishop Ambrose!” Everyone accepted this decision, but Ambrose at first refused, saying that he was not ready. He tried to hide for several days. Ambrose had a good reputation in Milan. He was a Catholic but had not been baptised as such. After the people appealed to the Roman Emperor, Ambrose was baptised within the week and became Bishop of Milan. He led an ascetic life, was famous for his charity work and was devoted to his pastoral activities. Due to his way of speaking and writing, he was called “sweet as honey”, and the beehive became his symbol.
There are many legends about Saint Ambrose in Milan, of course. One of them tells how, one day, while walking in Milan, Saint Ambrose met a blacksmith who was struggling with a horse bit. In that bit, Saint Ambrose recognised a nail from Christ’s crucifixion. This Holy Nail, after several displacements, finally appeared in the Duomo of Milan.
Saint Ambrose’s real name was Aurelio Ambrogio, and he was a bishop, writer and one of the most important figures in the IV century church, being one of the four original Doctors of the Church. His family had been Christians for several generations, and one of Ambrose’s relatives was Santa Sotere, a Christian martyr. Two sibling of Ambrose also became saints post-humously.
His father wanted Ambrose to have an administrative career. He was sent to the best school in Rome to study philosophy, theology and literature. He then went on to participate in the public life of the city. After several years in advocacy, Ambrose was appointed governor of one of the Roman provinces, with a seat in Milan. In 374, when the Bishop of Milan died, the citizens of Milan gathered in church for the elections. A child suddenly cried: “Bishop Ambrose!” Everyone accepted this decision, but Ambrose at first refused, saying that he was not ready. He tried to hide for several days. Ambrose had a good reputation in Milan. He was a Catholic but had not been baptised as such. After the people appealed to the Roman Emperor, Ambrose was baptised within the week and became Bishop of Milan. He led an ascetic life, was famous for his charity work and was devoted to his pastoral activities. Due to his way of speaking and writing, he was called “sweet as honey”, and the beehive became his symbol.
There are many legends about Saint Ambrose in Milan, of course. One of them tells how, one day, while walking in Milan, Saint Ambrose met a blacksmith who was struggling with a horse bit. In that bit, Saint Ambrose recognised a nail from Christ’s crucifixion. This Holy Nail, after several displacements, finally appeared in the Duomo of Milan.
