Definition: One of the four great fathers of the early church, St. Ambrose (born c. 340) was Bishop of Milan (from 374 to 397), and an important figure in the fight against the Arian heresy.
The Life of St. Ambrose was written after his death by his death by his secretary Paulinus. Ambrose (Ambrosius in Latin) was the son of another Ambrosius who was Prefect of Gallia. The family was Christian and moved to Rome when Ambrosius senior died in c. 354. In Rome Ambrose studied Greek and law. The Emperor Valentinian made Ambrose consular governor of Liguria and Aemilia. In this capacity, Ambrose lived in Milan where the Arian heresy was in force.
The year after Ambrose was made bishop, Valentinian died.
St. Ambrose is called the patron saint of learning.
