Also known as
 The Honey Tongued Doctor
 Ambrogio
Memorial
7 December
Profile
Roman nobility. Brother of Saint Marcellina and Saint Satyrus. Educated in the classics, Greek, and philosophy at Rome. Poet and noted orator. Convert. Governor of Milan.

When the bishop of Milan died, a dispute over his replacement was leading to violence. Ambrose intervened to calm both sides; he impressed everyone involved so much that while he was still an unbaptized catechuman, he was chosen to fill the see. He resisted, claiming that he was not worthy, but to prevent further violence, he assented, and on 7 December 374 he was baptized, ordained as a priest, and consecrated as bishop. He immediately gave away his wealth to the Church and the poor both for the good it did, and as an example to his flock.

Preacher, teacher, bible student of renown, and writer of liturgical hymns. He stood firm against pagans and Arians. His preaching helped convert Saint Augustine of Hippo, whom Ambrose baptized and brought into the Church. Ambrose's preaching brought Emporer Theodosius to do public penance for his sins. He called and chaired several theological councils during his time as bishop, many devoted to fighting heresy. Welcomed Saint Ursus and Saint Alban of Mainz when they fled Naxos to escape Arian persecution, and then sent them on to evangelize in Gaul and Germany. Proclaimed a great Doctor of the Latin Church by Pope Boniface VIII in 1298.

The title "Honey Tongued Doctor," initially bestowed because of his speaking and preaching ability, led to the use of a beehive and bees in his iconography, symbols which also indicate wisdom. This led to his association with bees, beekeepers, chandlers, wax refiners, etc.
Born
c.340 in Trier, southern Gaul (modern Germany)
Died
Holy Saturday, 4 April 397 at Milan, Italy of natural causes; relics at basilica of Milan
Canonized
Pre-Congregation
Name Meaning
divine immortal
Patronage
 bee keepers
 bees
 candlemakers
 chandlers
 domestic animals
 French Commissariat
 learning
 Milan, Italy, archdiocese of
 Milan, Italy, city of
 schoolchildren
 students
 wax melters
 wax refiners