The Catholic Gift Shop: Feast of St. Ambrose - December 7th The Catholic Gift Shop

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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

It was around the year 374 when the bishop of Milan died and Ambrose, then Governor of Milan, was responsible for public order. Riots had ensued and at the time Arian heresies threatened to destroy the Church. Ambrose hurried to the church and made a passionate speech not in favor of either side, but in favor of peace. He begged the people to make their choice without fighting, using restraint and moderation.

Suddenly, while he was speaking, a voice called out, "Ambrose for bishop!" Soon everyone was shouting, "Ambrose for bishop!" The other bishops of the province were only too glad to have this controversial decision taken out of their hands. But Ambrose was not about to give up a successful career for the dangerous position of bishop - a life- threatening occupation in these heretical times. So Ambrose ran away. When he appealed to the emperor to overturn the decision on the basis that he hadn't even been baptized yet, the emperor answered that he was happy that he chose governors fit for the episcopal office. Ambrose hid in a senator's house but the senator surrendered Ambrose when he heard about the emperor's decision.

To learn more about St. Ambrose and other Catholic questions, visit Catholic.org.

Saint Ambrose is the patron saint of book keepers and candle makers. His feast day is celebrated each year on December 7th.

From Wikipedia:
Aurelius Ambrosius, better known in English as Saint Ambrose (c. between 337 and 340 – 4 April 397), was a bishop of Milan who became one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century. He was one of the four original doctors of the Church.

Labels: Bishop, Catholic Saints, church, Saint Ambrose

by: The Catholic Gift Shop

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