Perhaps the most important thing Saint Ambrose did in his life, he did without pronouncing a single word.
Newsdesk (30/12/2025, Gaudium Press) Saint Ambrose (340-397), Archbishop of Milan when that city was as important as Rome, if not more so, accomplished many things in his life, even confronting an emperor, Theodosius, when emperors were still considered little less than “gods.” But perhaps nothing was more important than his collaboration in the conversion of another pillar of the Church, greater than himself if we may make the comparison, the man who solidified Catholic theology, the great St. Augustine of Hippo.
St. Ambrose was a world-renowned figure when Augustine met him. However, to meet this prodigy, it was not necessary to make an “appointment,” as the doors of the patriarch’s house were open to anyone.
But if this was the case, it was also true that St. Ambrose did not have time to talk to everyone, because in addition to eating, sleeping, and reading and meditating, he had a thousand matters to attend to. Augustine was therefore allowed to see him while he was reading, but he could not speak to him.
However, the Archbishop’s presence, as well as reading his works and listening to his sermons, provided the final impetus for the great St. Augustine to convert. Great were the times when there were men whose mere shadow could convert!
The repentance of Theodosius
The fads of the people are not always healthy. The citizens of Thessalonica were “crazy” about a comedian who they felt brightened their days. Well, the governor had that comedian put in chains and, in consequence, the crowd went into a frenzy and killed the governor!
When the Emperor found out, he flew into a rage and put 7,000 of its inhabitants to the sword, a completely disproportionate response.
For this reason, St. Ambrose forbade the emperor from entering the Cathedral (the Seat of the Empire was in Milan), and he was only allowed to return to the Basilica after he had publicly repented for his sin. What different days those were!
In his funeral oration, Saint Ambrose said of Theodosius: “Stripping himself of all emblems of royalty, he publicly deplored his sin in the church. That public penance, which private individuals flee from, an emperor was not ashamed to perform. Nor was there a single day after that when he was not ashamed of his error.”
Saint Ambrose baptizes Saint Augustine
Some incidents from the life of Saint Ambrose
One day, as a child, he saw his sister kissing the hand of a bishop. He then gave her his own hand to kiss and said, “I too will be a bishop one day.”
Before becoming a clergyman, he pursued a civil career, eventually being appointed Governor of Emilia and Liguria, based in Milan.
When the archbishop of the city died, two opposing factions fought to appoint their candidate, one loyal to the Pope and the other an Arian heretic.
The situation threatened to descend into civil war, so the governor, accompanied by troops, went to the Cathedral where the election was taking place to ensure order. But then, a child so young that he could not even speak gave a first cry that was followed by many others: “Ambrosius episcopus!”
“I am a sinner,” replied the governor. But he was ultimately chosen. He was not even baptized, only a catechumen, but within eight days he was baptized, made a priest, and then bishop! He then devoted himself to the study of the Holy Scriptures and the Church Fathers, especially St. Basil.
When faith and virtue are seen embodied in a person who lives a life of integrity, there is a great power to that witness. May St. Ambrose intercede for us so that, like him, our presence will have the effect of converting the hearts of those with whom we have contact.
With information from Arautos.org
Compiled by Roberta MacEwan
The post St. Ambrose: The Power of Giving Witness to the Faith appeared first on Gaudium Press.
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