Ambrose of Milan

Ambrose (339-397 CE) was born into the Roman aristocracy and educated at Rome in the liberal arts and law. He received a provincial governorship based on his law background. His experience gained him a reputation for honesty and decency. During his governorship, Ambrose was required to put down a violent confrontation between the Catholics and Arians over the successor to a vacant see. Ambrose handled the affair so well that he was nominated for bishop of that see by both the Catholics and Arians. Ambrose became known as a gifted orator in his attacks against the social abuses of his time and anything that he regarded as unorthodox. His speaking ability was partly responsible for the conversion of Augustine, who came to listen to Ambrose's sermons for their oration, but found himself so moved that he converted to Christianity and was baptized by Ambrose on Easter in 386.

Chris Doran