The feast day of St. Ambrose is celebrated on December 7. He was the Bishop of Milan and proclaimed a Doctor and Father of the Church. St. Ambrose is the patron saint of bee keepers and students.
St. Ambrose was born in the year 339. He studied in Rome, Italy becoming a lawyer. He was in the process of converting to Catholicism when a great dispute arose after the death of the Bishop of Milan. It was Ambrose who intervened and maintained order. Everyone was so impressed that they requested him as their next bishop even though he he was only a cathecumen (student) and not yet baptized. Resisting at first, eventually Ambrose agreed. He was baptized and eight days later on Dec. 7, 374 he was consecrated the Bishop of Milan at the age of 35.
As bishop he immediately gave his money to the poor. He was known for his fight against paganism and Arianism ( the belief that Jesus Christ did not have a divine nature). He was instrumental in the conversion and baptism of St. Augustine. The title “Honey tongued Doctor” was given to him because of his speaking skills. Because of his title he became the patron saint of bee keepers.
St. Ambrose died of natural causes on April 14, 397.
“True repentance
is to cease to sin.”
Quote of St. Ambrose
December is the Month of the Divine Infancy
