The Biography of Saint Ambrose - Research Paper Example

of Learning: The Life/Biography of Saint Ambrose Outline Life St. Ambrose was born at around 339 AD among two other brothers who were also saints; Saint Marcellina and saint Satyrus. Ambrose went ahead to study classics Greek, law and philosophy, as well as poetry. He became the Governor of Liguria and Emilia in 372 up until 374 when he was ordained as the bishop of Milan (Centre). 1.2 Bishop of Milan The death of the then bishop of Milan in 374 AD (Auxentius) an Arian, lead to violent conflicts over his succession. Due to public pressure as well as pressure from other priests and bishops he was chosen as the new bishop even as an unbaptized catechumen. 1.3 Ambrose and Arians Upon his election and ordainment as the bishop of Milan he immediately undertook to stop Arianism. Subsequently, his great understanding of Greek helped him study the Old Testament with many Greek authors who were largely from Arian. However, Ambrose was very adamant to accept Arianism and he fought it with all his will. 1.4 Ambrose and Jews It is very clear that Ambrose was against the Jews in fact it is well known that he advised the youth against intermarrying with the Jews. According to history it is apparent through his focused resistance against the rebuilding of a synagogue at Callinium as had been ordered by emperor Theodosius the Great. 1.5 Ambrose and emperors St. Ambrose had both good and bad relationships with the emperors. In some instances he would be sought by the emperors to intervene on sensitive matters affecting the state. However, at times Ambrose would differ with these emperors over certain matters. 1.6 Death and legacy St. Ambrose died on April 4th 397 AD two years after the death of Theodosius and after the undisputed possession of the Roman Empire. Ambrose was succeeded by Simplician as the bishop of Milan. He was buried I the church of St. Ambrogio in Milan. His remains still exist in this church and they are fame be among the oldest body of historical personages recognized outside Egypt. 2. Theology and Mariology Ambroses strong episcopal perception furthered the growing doctrine of the Church and its spiritual ministry. However, the established abstinence of the day, continuing the Tolerant and Ciceronian training of his early life, facilitated him to cultivate a patronizing standard of Christian principles. Consequently, The Powerful Mariology of Ambrose of Milan mentored modern-day Popes such as Pope Damasus and Siricius and later, Pope Leo the Great. Dominant to Ambrose is the virginity of Mary and her character as Mother of God ( Laughton 17). As such, Ambrose perceived virginity as loftier to marriage, consequently valuing Mary as the model of virginity. He is alleged to have founded an institution for virgins in Rome. 3. Writings When it comes to writing, Ambrose can be compared to the likes of Hilary and Alexandrian. Consequently when it comes to maters of philosophy, he follows Basil of Caesarea and other renowned Greek authors. Nevertheless, he gives a distinctly Western cast to the assumptions of which he advances. This is predominantly noticeable in the graver emphasis that he discusses human sin and divine grace, and as well as in the place where he consigns to faith in the distinct Christian life. 4. Church’s music Ambrose is traditionally indorsed although there is no known self-composed hymn in the famous Ambrosian chants. In the Ambrosian chant one side of the choir alternately responds to the other side. However, Ambrosian chant was christened in his honor because of his input to the Church’s music. Hence, he is credited with introducing hymnody from the Eastern Church into the West. In addition, Ambrose and Augustine were among the four original doctors of the Latin Church together with St. Jerome and ST. Gregory the great (Liturgica.com). 5. Ambrose and Augustine As an ambitious philosopher, Augustine converted to Christianity after listening to one of St. Ambrose’s preaching. Consequently, Augustine became the bishop of Hippo in North Africa Introduction In religion especially in the catholic faith there exist many saints. However, for one to be acknowledged and bestowed upon the title “Doctor of the Church,” one has to demonstrate; outstanding holiness, good knowledge and understanding of doctrinal insight, and be an intellect ( Richert and About.com Guide). In fact, there were only eight doctors of the church over the Golden Age of the Fathers i.e. between the years 300-600 AD. These saints were commonly referred to as the Ecumenical Fathers. In line to this statement, this paper is going to discuss the life/biography of Saint Ambrose who was among the eight Ecumenical Fathers over the said period (Hiritage-History). St. Ambrose was born at around 339 AD among two other brothers who were also saints; Saint Marcellina and saint Satyrus. Ambrose went ahead to study classics Greek, law and philosophy, as well as poetry. Subsequently, he undertook a career in politics and law and later became the Imperial governor of Northern Italy (Milan) (Centre). After the bishop of the episcopal of Milan died in 374 AD, its residents demanded that Ambrose be endorsed as their new bishop. This was after his notable intervention to both sides after violence erupted between the Catholics and Arians. Due to public pressure and other priests and bishops he was chosen as the new bishop even as an unbaptized catechumen. Consequently, Ambrose was baptized, and ordained as a deacon, then a priest and lastly as the bishop in a single week. Ambrose was aware of the huge task that bestowed his new job and as such he immediately started to pray and read the scripture. Indeed, this dedication and the acquired knowledge as a practicing lawyer cum politician enabled him to become one of the greatest preachers of the early church (Hodges). St. Ambrose demonstrated leadership skills throughout his life as such he became the Governor of Milan in his youthful years. Ambrose is traditionally indorsed although there is no known self-composed hymn in the famous Ambrosian chants. In the Ambrosian chant one side of the choir alternately responds to the other side. However, Ambrosian chant was christened in his honor because of his input to the Church’s music. Hence, he is credited with introducing hymnody from the Eastern Church into the West. In addition, Ambrose and Augustine were among the four original doctors of the Latin Church together with St. Jerome and ST. Gregory the great (Liturgica.com). Further, it is his leadership skills that were noted by the public so that they demanded that he be ordained as their bishop because he was able to negotiate with the warring sides. Moreover, his political knowledge enabled him to fiercely oppose the infiltration of the state into the matters of the church (Butler). He is also renowned for his outspoken opposition to paganism, hypocrisy, and heresy. This can be testified by his decision to excommunicate Theodosius I (a powerful catholic emperor) because of being involved in a massacre of seven thousand innocent civilians in his area of jurisdiction. This is a powerful characteristic of a good leader whereby he is able to make sound judgment that favors his people. Besides, Ambrose was a great composer of music hymns and psalms which the catholic faith relates even today and they are commonly referred to as the. As a leader, he was able to set examples and guide his followers spiritual through the Ambrosian Chants (Liturgica.com). In addition, Ambrose contributed significantly to the catholic faith and is acknowledged because of two great theological works that are written in Latin. These works are; De Spiritu Sancto on the Holy Spirit, and De Sacramentis on the Sacraments ( DAmbrosio). These works were of great teaching to the catholic faith then and now as they touch on the fundamentals or pillars of the church ( Richert and About.com Guide). Ambroses strong episcopal perception furthered the growing doctrine of the Church and its spiritual ministry. However, the established abstinence of the day, continuing the Tolerant and Ciceronian training of his early life, facilitated him to cultivate a patronizing standard of Christian principles. Consequently, The Powerful Mariology of Ambrose of Milan mentored modern-day Popes such as Pope Damasus and Siricius and later, Pope Leo the Great. Dominant to Ambrose is the virginity of Mary and her character as Mother of God (Laughton 17). As such, Ambrose perceived virginity as loftier to marriage, consequently valuing Mary as the model of virginity. He is alleged to have founded an institution for virgins in Rome ( Laughton). Ambrose is also recognized as a teacher and mentor to many. For example he greatly influenced St. Augustine during one of his great preaching. He completely transformed this philosopher to a great catholic follower. Augustine later became a bishop became the bishop of Hippo in North Africa. In addition, most of Augustine works have always mentioned Ambrose or have great influence from the works of Ambrose. Another way to analyze the hard stands that Ambrose held to is through his relationship with the Jews and the Arian. It is very clear that Ambrose was against the Jews in fact it is well known that he advised the youth against intermarrying with the Jews. According to Heritage-History, Ambrosse was much focused to resistance against the rebuilding of a synagogue at Callinium as had been ordered by emperor Theodosius the Great. Besides, upon his election and ordainment as the bishop of Milan he immediately undertook to stop Arianism. Subsequently, his great understanding of Greek helped him study the Old Testament with many Greek authors who were largely from Arian. However, Ambrose was very adamant to accept Arianism and he fought it with all his will. Lastly, St. Ambrose died on April 4th 397 AD two years after the death of Theodosius and after the undisputed possession of the Roman Empire (Butler). However, his life is commemorated on the 7th of December on the day he was ordained as a bishop rather than on his day of death. Ambrose was succeeded by Simplician as the bishop of Milan. He was buried in the church of St. Ambrogio in Milan. His remains still exist in this church and they are fame be among the oldest body of historical personages recognized outside Egypt (Centre). In summary, the life of St. Ambrose started in the year 340 ad when he was born in Germany to a Christian family, he studied law, literature among others, and this helped him to become the prefect of Liguria. In 374 AD, he was ordained as the bishop of Milan after a bloody protest between the Arian Christians and the Catholics. Consequently, he donates all his wealth to the church and starts engaging fully in the church’s work. In 379-397 AD he led the church and participated in the empire’s duties mainly as an advisor of the Emperors and as an arbitrator. Lastly, He died on the 4th of April 397AD and was buried in the church of St. Ambrogio in Milan (Hiritage-History n.p). Conclusion St. Ambrose was a very outstanding bishop who was able to lead the catholic faith during a very perilous historical era. Ambrose had the courage to stand to his principles even when various governors tried to intrude the church. For example, he challenged Emperors Valentinian II over the Arian Christians using the church’s property. In fact, his primary principle was that,” the Emperor is in the Church, not above it” (Hodges). Moreover, his hard lined standings rewarded him with respect rather than creating rifts between the church and the Emperor. In fact, Ambrose remained as the most trusted advisor of Theodosius during his reign. Consequently, he won the hearts of the Supreme Court members who were known for their negative perception with regards to Christian ideas. As such, Ambrose was constantly called upon to mediate between warring functions and in most cases was able to bring peace between them. This was greatly aided by his previous knowledge on law matters hence he was able to apply principles and precedents rather than arbitrate through favoritism. In addition, to this he would add his Christian morals and skills to promote Christians interests and condemn paganism without being unfair or a Christian extremist.. Ambrose was also embraced by the masses because of his charity towards the poor civilians; he is in fact famed to have donated all his possessions to the church upon his ordainment as the bishop (Hiritage-History). 6. Annotated bibliography Richert, Scott P. and About.com Guide. "The Doctors of the Church: The Guides of the Faithful." 2013. About.com Catholicism. 24 Feb 2013 . This site defines the doctors of the church and their role in the catholic faith. It goes ahead and classifies these saints starting with the first eight who attained their sainthood through acclamation and the rest who have been named by several popes. Laughton, Ariel Bybee. Virginity Discourse and Ascetic Politics in the Writings of Ambrose of Milan. Dissertation. Durham, NC: Graduate School of Duke University , 2010 . This dissertation acknowledges the works of St. Ambrose. The main focus of his report is on his assertion on virginity and its importane to the catholi faith. according to Ambros he ralate virginity to mary mother of Jesus and hence reafirms its importance. Centre, St. Bernadettes Family Resource. "St. Ambrose." 2007. St. Bernadettes Family Resource Centre. 24 Feb 2007 . This website is very detailed on the life of St Ambrose right from his birth to his death. It captures the whole life of the saint. The website goes further to list the biographies of other saints like St. Augustine. Liturgica.com. "Ambrosian Chant." 2012. Liturgica.com. 24 Feb 2013 . The histgory behind the Ambrosian chants is deep both in meaning and origin. This website covers how the chants were associated with St. ambrose. Theses chants are aredited for being the oldest western chants in the catholic faith. Butler, Rev. Alban . St Ambrose, Bishop Confessor, Doctor of the Church—(A.D. 397). Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL: Eternal Word Television Network, n.a. In this article Rev. Alban explains in dettails the many charecters o St. Ambrose from the political viewpoint to the bishops point of view. The article is very detailed on his input towards the catholic religion and towards the empire in general. It goes further to explaain his relationship with diferent religions and belivers like the Jews and the Arians. Agency, Catholic news. "St. Ambrose." 07 Dec 2012. Catholic news Agency. 25 Feb 2013 . This web page compares the lives of St Augustine and that of St. Ambrose. It gives a thorough background check on their influence to the lives of their followers mainly the catholic faiths. Moreover, it also scrutinizes other saint who lived during their times. Hiritage-History. "Saint Ambrose; Ambrose of Milan 340-397." n.d. Heritage History. 26 Feb 2013 . In this website the life of St. Ambrose is covered very well. The website is very elaborate on the impact that Ambrose had to the Emperors and the judges especially on how they regarded the Christian ideas. Consequently, it is very detailed on the life of this saint year by year. Works Cited Agency, Catholic news. "St. Ambrose." 07 Dec 2012. Catholic news Agency. 25 Feb 2013 . Butler, Rev. Alban . St Ambrose, Bishop Confessor, Doctor of The Church—(A.D. 397). Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL: Eternal Word Television Network, n.a. Bruno , Emilie. Psallendae Mariae: Marian Processional Chants of the Ambrosian Rite . Thesis. Ottawa, Canada: Emilie Bruno, 2012 . Centre, St. Bernadettes Family Resource. "St. Ambrose." 2007. St. Bernadettes Family Resource Centre. 24 Feb 2007 . DAmbrosio, Marcellino. "St. Ambrose of Milan." 2010. Early Church Father and Doctor of the Church. 24 Feb 2013 . Foley, Leonard. "Saint of the Day: St. Ambrose." 2012. American Catholic . Org. 25 Feb 2013 . Hiritage-History. "Saint Ambrose; Ambrose of Milan 340-397." n.d. Heritage History. 26 Feb 2013 . Hodges, George. The Early Church from Ignatius to Augusatine . Cambridge Masssachussetts: Episcopal Theological School & Heritage History, 1915. Laughton, Ariel Bybee. Virginity Discourse and Ascetic Politics in the Writings of Ambrose of Milan. Dissertation. Durham, NC: Graduate School of Duke University , 2010 . Liturgica.com. "Ambrosian Chant." 2012. Liturgica.com. 24 Feb 2013 . Richert, Scott P. and About.com Guide. "The Doctors of the Church: The Guides of the Faithful." 2013. About.com Catholicism. 24 Feb 2013 . Read More