Today, the Church celebrates a fourth-century saint who actually began not as a priest, but as a politician. Some would say that all priests need to be politicians of sorts, but today's hero boasted a father who served as the Prefect of Gaul.
Having died at a relatively early age, this father left the way open for his son to follow in his footsteps. In fact though, his political background only paved the way for his ecclesiastical election to the office of Bishop. This happened in a fashion not often heard of today: he was chosen by spontaneous acclamation.
In time, his dedication to the Church and to his ministry as one of the Shepherds earned him the title of Doctor of the Church, one reserved to those whose teaching has proven to be particularly pivotal in the magesterium (teaching authority of the Church).
Saint Ambrose of Milan, pray for us.
Having died at a relatively early age, this father left the way open for his son to follow in his footsteps. In fact though, his political background only paved the way for his ecclesiastical election to the office of Bishop. This happened in a fashion not often heard of today: he was chosen by spontaneous acclamation.
In time, his dedication to the Church and to his ministry as one of the Shepherds earned him the title of Doctor of the Church, one reserved to those whose teaching has proven to be particularly pivotal in the magesterium (teaching authority of the Church).
Saint Ambrose of Milan, pray for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment