Ambrose – Dec 7

 

December 7 –Ambrose (338-397)

Ambrose was bishop of Milan.  Recognized as one of the four doctors of the Church, along with Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great, he is especially known for his contribution to the conversion of Augustine.  Educated at Rome, he studied law, rhetoric, and literature.  Famous for his stand against the heresy of Arianism, he was eventually made the bishop of Milan.  He gave large sums of money to the poor and lived an ascetic lifestyle.  A gifted orator, he made an impression on the young Augustine.  Extremely interested in Church music, Ambrose is sometimes credited with writing the Te Deum; Scripture Reading: Luke 12:35-44; Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, who dost enkindle the flame of thy love in the hearts of the Saints; Grant to us, thy humble servants, the same faith and power of love; that, as we rejoice in their triumphs, we may profit by their examples; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.