Feast of St. Ambrose 2023: Date, History and 5 Holy Facts You Should Know

Feast of St. Ambrose 2023: Milan, in northern Italy, celebrates the Feast of St. Ambrose on December 7 every year. The patron saint, St. Ambrose, was honored on this national holiday. Are you aware that one of the most important people in Church history and the fourth century was St. Ambrose? Indeed! As the bishop of Milan, he was adored and respected for his generosity and fairness. Praise has been showered upon this saint for his many talents, his scholarship, and his act of defending the church. Let’s discover more about his intriguing past.

The feast of St. Ambrose’s history

The day that St. Ambrose, an archbishop of Milan in the fourth century, was consecrated as a bishop is commemorated on the Feast of St. Ambrose, a public holiday in Milan. One of the most fascinating stories with a great deal of historical significance is the life of St. Ambrose.

The second son of the imperial viceroy of Gaul, Aurelius Ambrosius was born in Treverorum, Belgica, Gaul. His mother and older sister, the nun Marcellina, raised him in Rome following the passing of his father a few years after his birth. In his earlier years, he received legal training. After that, he was elevated to the position of governor of Aemilia-Liguria and settled in Milan.

Ambrose attended the election of a new bishop in an interesting turn of events that led to his canonization as a saint in order to maintain harmony between the Arians and the Nicene Church. Because of the crowd’s admiration for his humility and generosity, he was appointed as the new bishop of Milan after they demanded it in order to prevent a contentious election. He fled into hiding after rejecting his new role. But in the end he accepted the offer, receiving Emperor Gratian’s approval.

After that, in just eight days, he was baptized, ordained, and consecrated as the bishop of Milan. Every year on December 7, Milanese people celebrate the Feast of St. Ambrose in remembrance of this day. Throughout his life, St. Ambrose studied theology, wrote numerous hymns, and helped the underprivileged. Theodosius’s 7,000-person massacre at Thessalonica inspired St. Ambrose to forbid him from entering the church. And the saint will always be honored and revered for this defense.

OPTIONS FOR ATTENDING THE ST. AMBROSE FEAST

Go to the Fair

Attend the St. Ambrose Fair, also referred to as “Oh Bej!” Aw, Bej! Immerse yourself in the sacred festivities and Christmas preparations.

Participate in the celebration

In addition to laying your offerings on the altar in the “Basilica of St. Ambrose,” you can join the thousands of people who attend the festival solely for its spirit. There’s no better way to celebrate than the Milanese way.

Create candles.

Yes, what you’ve heard is correct! Candlemakers also had St. Ambrose as their patron. So, you could try making candles on this Feast of St. Ambrose, and you could even do it as a fun group activity.

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5 Holy Facts You Should Know About St. Ambrose

Kings detested St. Ambrose.

Although St. Ambrose frequently ran afoul of emperors during his lifetime, his widespread appeal to the populace boosted his influence in politics.

He is a native Latin physician.

Augustine, Jerome, Gregory the Great, and St. Ambrose are the four original Latin doctors of the Church.

The unanticipated bishop

In just eight days, St. Ambrose goes from being an unbaptized layman to a bishop after being selected as a compromise candidate to prevent a contentious election.

He wrote multiple hymns.

Numerous hymns written by St. Ambrose serve as the basis for hymns that are sung even today.

“La Scala’s” premiere evening

The world-famous opera house in Italy, “La Scala,” opens on St. Ambrose Day.

Why is this day important?

Today is a day full of inspiration.

St. Ambrose’s humility, generosity, and fervent acceptance of God’s unexpected plan in his life undoubtedly inspire all of us who have done the same. For those of us who do not practice religion, it serves as an example of courage and tenacity as well as an inspiration.

It is not enough to call St. Ambrose a saint.

In addition to being the patron of Milan, St. Ambrose was also the patron of learning, beekeepers, beggars, and candlemakers. Just one of the numerous additional reasons to rejoice on St. Ambrose’s Day!

It makes one feel festive for Christmas.

The Feast of St. Ambrose is just what we need to get into the Christmas spirit because of all the different foods, vendors, and lively revelers that make the day unforgettable.

FEAST OF ST. AMBROSE DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	December 7	Thursday
2024	December 7	Saturday
2025	December 7	Sunday
2026	December 7	Monday
2027	December 7	Tuesday