Ambroise de Milan

v. 339-397 4th century Feast day: December 7

Authority turned into service, a faith that is sung before it is argued.

Who was Ambroise de Milan?

A provincial governor, he was acclaimed bishop of Milan by the crowd while still unbaptised. He learned theology by teaching it, melted down the sacred vessels to ransom captives, and stood up to the emperor after the massacre of a city. He baptised Augustine, and it was his hymns the convert heard through the Milanese night.

In their own words

We speak to him when we pray; we listen to him when we read the divine words.

On the Duties of the Clergy, I, 20, 88

It did not please God to save his people by dialectic.

On the Faith, I, 5, 42

I have not lived among you in such a way that I am ashamed to go on living; and I do not fear to die, for we have a good Lord.

Paulinus of Milan, Life of Ambrose, 45