St. Ambrose

St. Ambrose was born about the year 339 at Augusta Treverorum, the modern Trier. He was educated at Rome and entered the imperial service about 365. He was appointed governor of the provinces of Aemilia and Liguria about 371. His headquarters were at Mediolanum, the present Milan, and he was elected bishop there in the early winter of 373.

He introduced the eastern custom of singing hymns into the western church, and he is perhaps better remembered for his hymns, such as Aeterne Rerum Conditor and Veni Redemptor Omnium, than for his more elaborate treatises on virginity (De Virginibus) and on faith (De Fide). And it is as a devoted pastor to his flock that he is seen by his greatest convert, Augustine, who sought baptism from him in 387.

His Feast Day is December 7.