We have already cited the testimony of the three oldest witnesses to the martyrdom of st. Agnes virgin and martyr jan 21 traditional catholic. Ambrose was born into a roman christian family about 340 and was raised in gallia belgica, the capital of which was augusta treverorum. As he sent out disciples into his harvest which had,in truth,been sown by the fathers word but which required to be worked over, cultivated and carefully tended if the birds were not to ravage the seed jesus said to them. Athanasius, to uphold the venerable chair of the prince of the apostles in the tribune of st. Ambrose by ambrose, saint, bishop of milan 2 editions. In 374 the bishop of milan, auxentius, an arian, died, and the arians challenged the succession. This was ambrose, the fighter sent to milan as roman governor, and chosen while yet a catechumen to be the peoples bishop.
Ambrose worked vigorously in this direction, not only in his own diocese, but in neighbouring provinces, and even in africa. Aurelius ambrosius 333 april 4, 397, italian bishop. Ambrose, reflecting upon the account he will have to give of his talents, determines to write, and consoles himself with certain examples of gods mercy. Three books concerning virgins, addressed to his sister marcellina in the year 377, probably, like most of the treatises of st. Ambrose wrote to his sister, manellia, these, perhaps ambroses earliest writings, were written in. Ambrose, revised from addresses, the first of which was delivered on the festival of st. Christie 1817 1891 one favorite topic of his was the excellence of virginity, and so successful was he in persuading maidens to adopt the religious profession that many a mother refused to permit her daughters to listen to his words. Ambrose speaks in commendation, but more especially of her age, seeing that she, being but twelve years old, was superior to terrors, promises, tortures, and death itself, with a courage wholly worthy of a man. It is the birthday of a martyr, let us offer the victim. Augustine and was influential in bringing augustine back to his catholic faith, baptizing him in 387.
Librivox recording of the concerning virgins by saint ambrose. His son valentinian is admitted by gratian to be emperor of the east, though only four years old. Written in a rather lighthanded nontechnical style they appear as ethical guides to women who are contemplating entering nunneries. Ambroses body may still be viewed in the church of saint ambrogio in milan, where it has been continuously. Ambrose, and was born most probably at trier, where her father resided as praefectus praetorio galliarum. This treatise has a favourable beginning, since it is the birthday of the holy virgin agnes, of whose name, modesty, and martyrdom st. Common life among them would seem to have commenced in the east, and st. She also was buried in the crypt under the altar of the ambrosian basilica, and was honored as a saint. Ambrose was a passionate little man with a high forehead, a long melancholy face, and great eyes. Haec duodecim annorum martyrium fecisse traditur, st.
Home fathers of the church concerning virginity ambrose concerning virginity. There is yet another side of ambroseone which influenced augustine of hippo, whom ambrose converted. Jan 21, 2014 reliable details concerning the life of st. Concerning virgins, saint ambrose, fulllength catholic. Marcellina survived her brother, and died in 398 or shortly afterwards. Christie 1817 1891 one favorite topic of his was the excellence of virginity, and so successful was he in persuading maidens to adopt the religious profession that many a mother. Jan 21, 20 we have already cited the testimony of the three oldest witnesses to the martyrdom of st.
Athanasius, when, seeking refuge from the arians, he came to rome, introduced the custom to the western church. Nov 05, 20 on christmas day, probably in 353, she received the veil of consecrated virginity from the hand of pope liberius. Concerning virgins and other works world digital library. From nicene and postnicene fathers, second series, vol. He was also one of the most illustrious doctors of the church, and fitly chosen, together with st.
The first thing which kindles ardour in learning is the greatness of the teacher. Oral tradition suggests that she may have made the paternal house into a sort of convent for dedicated women. On christmas day, probably in 353, she received the veil of consecrated virginity from the hand of pope liberius. Ambrose studied theology with simplician, a presbyter of rome. Ambrose on mary, the model for consecrated virgins continuing in my discussion of st. In the late 300s there was a deep conflict in the diocese of milan between the catholics and arians. Ambrose went to the church where the election was to take place, to prevent an uproar, which was probable in this crisis. Jerome, and unlike other works on virginity it maintains an objective. Ambrose wrote to his sister, manellia, these, perhaps ambroses earliest writings, were written in 377 ce. What more glorious than she whom glory itself chose. It was considered the most comprehensive and articulate exposition of the subject by st. Marcellina the catholic encyclopedia bible encyclopedia.
Commentary by st ambrose on saint lukes gospel vii, 176180 the mustard seed. Ambroses contemporaries considered him to be the model bishop holy, learned, courageous, patient, and a staunch defender of the faith. Using to his advantage his excellent knowledge of greek, which was then rare in the west, he studied the old testament and greek authors like philo, origen, athanasius, and basil of caesarea, with whom he was also exchanging letters. Ambroses treatise on virginity, which he wrote addressed to his sister who was herself a consecrated virgin. Ambrose, reflecting upon the account he will have to give of his talents. Ambrose wrote it to his sister marcellina, who was herself a consecrated virgin. Sources we have already cited the testimony of the three oldest witnesses to the martyrdom of st.
The advice, which the pope addressed to her on this occasion, has been preserved by st. After ambrose had become bishop of milan 374, he summoned his sister thither, and found in her a zealous assistant in fostering and extending the ascetic life among the maidens of milan. Aurelius ambrosius wikisource, the free online library. Ambrose, recalling his sisters consecration sponsa christi.
Marcellina encyclopedia volume catholic encyclopedia. The milanese doctor keeps his liturgical memorial the day before the solemnity of the immaculate virgin. Oct 24, 2007 commentary by st ambrose on st lukes gospel, 7, 45. Written in a rather lighthanded nontechnical style they appear as ethical guides to. Even before her fathers death she went to rome, the home of her family, and, before her mothers arrival at the capital with her two sons, had. In the third book he goes through a summary of the address given by pope.
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