Milan, Italy: Basilica of Saint Ambrose (Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio)
About Saint Ambrose:
Aurelius Ambrosius was his actual name. He lived from 340-397. Having been sent to Milan as the Roman governor, he later became Archbishop of Milan. As such, he fought the heretical teachings of Arianism. He was not one to shy away from controversy: when the Empress Justina attempted to take two basilicas from Ambrose’s control and give them to the Arians, he dared the eunuchs of the court to execute him. His own people rallied behind him in the face of imperial troops, and he retained control of the Basilicas.
In his disputes with the Emperor Auxentius, he coined the principle: “The emperor is in the Church, not above the Church.” He publicly admonished Emperor Theodosius for the massacre of 7,000 innocent people. The emperor did public penance for his crime.
Nicknamed the “Honey-Tongued Doctor” due to his speaking ability, St. Ambrose is the patron saint not only of Milan but also bee keepers, bees, candlemakers, domestic animals, learning, and students. Saint Ambrose is patron saint of Milan and is notable for his influence on Saint Augustine of Hippo, whom he converted.
He is one of the four original Doctors of the Church (the others being Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great).
We celebrate the Feast of Saint Ambrose on December 7.
About the Basilica of Saint Ambrose:
Saint Ambrose’ body is on display in the Basilica. It is flanked by the bodies of the holy martyrs Gervasius and Protasius. Interestingly the original location of their bodies was revealed to Ambrose in a dream in 386
They are not incorrupt, but are remarkably well-preserved considering their age. The body of Saint Ambrose, dressed in Bishop’s vestments, is in the center of the Basilica.
His feast day on December 7th is a major event in the city. A tradition is that young boys and girls bring donations in to the Basilica in the morning and place them on an altar decorated with flower displays.
Traveling to the Basilica of Saint Ambrose (Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio) in Milan, Italy:
The Basilica is located near the center of the city. You can take Metro Line Metropolitana MM2 (stop fermata S. Ambrogio( or bus ATM numbers 50, 58, 94).
Address: Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, 15, 20123 Milano, Italy
GPS coordinates: 45° 27′ 43.5672” N, 9° 10′ 28.1892” E
Tel: +39 02 8645 0895
Click here for the official website of the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio in Milan (in Italian).