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IN THIS ISSUE
From the Desk of
Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I.
Our Woven Past: Oblate Paths to Sainthood
The Lives of the Saints: St. Ambrose
What does a person need to do or have in order to be viewed as a success in society’s eyes? Imagine a thriving lawyer who also works as a powerful government official. Imagine this man living in a large estate and entertaining a multitude of influential friends. Would he be considered a success?
Saint Ambrose began his life in this very way. As a young man he studied Greek, law and rhetoric in Rome before being appointed to the important position as Governor of Milan. As a friend of the emperor he was always front and center, ready to take charge. But when the Bishop of Milan passed away, Ambrose found himself in a position which he hadn’t planned for. As Governor, he was responsible for maintaining peace. When a riot was about to break out over who would become the next Bishop, Ambrose spoke out in favor of a peaceful solution.
When his speech was finished, Ambrose was suddenly the center of attention. A voice in the crowd called out, “Ambrose for Bishop!” Before long the entire crowd was chanting his name. In fear of sacrificing his successful career to take on the dangerous position of Bishop, Ambrose ran away. He begged the emperor to overturn the decision to make him Bishop of Milan based on the simple fact that he hadn’t even been baptized. His argument didn’t win over the emperor, and Ambrose was orderred to serve as Bishop.
Ambrose reluctantly gave in, and was ordained Bishop on December 7,
374 when he was about 35 years old. Instead of continuing to live his life of luxury, he began to study the Bible
and theology. He gave his estate and personal properties to the poor. He
used his legal knowledge to refute the arguments of the heretical Christians.
Ambrose was also well-known for
his compelling preaching, a skill
which led him to convert and
baptize St. Augustine in 387.
Saint Ambrose had deep compassion for the poor. He preached that every living being had a right to the earthly goods that God bestowed upon the earth, so when a person of wealth gave his own goods to a beggar, he was merely giving it back to its rightful owner.
Ambrose believed that the best way to give to charity was to pay ransom for captives and hostages. He once used all of his own money to pay a ransom, and was even known to melt down gold vessels from the Church in order to aid those in need.
Saint Ambrose upheld the
sanctity of the Church and its
people in a courageous and holy
manner. He died on April 4, 397
and is Doctor of the Church. His
feast is celebrated on
December 7.