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FEAST OF THE DAY

St. Ambrose was born around the year 340 in Southern Gaul of
noble parents. As a youth, he studied classics, various philosophers,
and the Greek language. He soon made a name for himself as a
public speaker and poet. While Ambrose was in his late twenties, he
was made governor and served the people justly and kindly. In the
year 374, the bishop of Milan died and there was a major dispute
about who should take his place. Seeking to keep the dispute from
becoming an uprising, Ambrose intervened, but he so impressed the
people with a speech that he was chosen to be bishop even though
he was only a catechumen.

Ambrose did all he could to avoid becoming bishop, but he was
unsuccessful. Ambrose was ordained bishop on December 7, 374 at
the age of 34. The first thing that St. Ambrose did once he took office
was to give away all his possessions so he could totally commit his
life to his flock. As bishop, Ambrose immediately began to use his
talent of public speaking to instruct his flock. He preached against
the Arian heresy and continually instructed the people in the practice
of virtue. Ambose penned many works in defense of the Faith and
exhorting people to holiness.

During his time as bishop, Ambrose helped convert St. Augustine,
composed several liturgical hymns, and brought the Emperor
Theodosius to public penance for his sins. During his lifetime,
Ambrose called several councils and worked tirelessly against the
Arian heresy. He on Holy Saturday in the year 397 and was declared
a "great" doctor of the Church by Pope Boniface VIII in 1298.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Our own evil inclinations are far more dangerous than any external
enemies. -St. Ambrose

TODAY IN HISTORY

283 St Eutychian ends his reign as Pope
1787 Delaware becomes 1st state to ratify constitution
1941 Japanese attack Pearl Harbor
1965 Pope Paul VI & Orthodox Patriarch Athenagoras I
simultaneously lift mutual excommunications that led to split of the 2
churches in 1054

TODAY'S TIDBIT

Maranatha is a term used by the early Church and means "Come
Lord Jesus." This is one of the central petitions of the faithful
throughout the season of Advent.

INTENTION FOR THE DAY

Please pray for peace throughout the world.

INTENTION FOR THE DAY

Please pray through the intercession of St. Vincent de Paul, for all
who are poor.