Ambrose was born in Treves Germany. His father was governor of the Gauls, and a member of the Roman aristocracy. Ambrose was educated in Rome, and became a provincial governor with headquarters in Milan. While presiding at the election of the bishop of Milan, he was nominated by acclamation, even though he was not yet a Christian, although his family was. He was forthwith baptized, ordained a priest, and consecrated a bishop. He took his assignment seriously, prayed, studied, and became a great pastoral bishop, without losing his sense of the dignity and power of his office. His preaching contributed to the conversion of Saint Augustine, whom he baptized in 387. He introduced Eastern melodies into the Western Church. The Ambrosian rite is part of his influence on the liturgy. Photo by Benjamin Voros on Unsplash
