St Ambrose, born at Treves towards 335, was one of the four great doctors of the Latin Church. When he was still in his cradle some bees settled in his mouth as if to make honey there, presaging his future great eloquence.
While he was governor of Milan, Ambrose was providentially chosen as bishop by the voice of a child and he became an indefatigable preacher mentioned in the Epistle and Gospel. He opposed the heretics, humbled the emperor Theodosius, and brought into the church St Augustine, whose conversion was worth that of entire kingdoms.
He enriched the Divine office with sacred hymns to be chanted by the congregation. The Milanese liturgy is still known as the "Ambrosian Rite." This great bishop died in 397, during the night of Saturday in Holy Week.
In medio Ecclesiae aperuit os ejus: et implevit eum Dominus spiritu sapientiae et intellectus: stolam gloriae induit eum. * Bonum est confiteri Domino: et psallere nomini tuo, Altissime.
In the midst of the Church the Lord opened his mouth: and He filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding: He clothed him with a robe of glory. * It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to Thy name, O most High.(Ecclesiasticus 15:5 and Psalm 91:2 from the Introit of Mass)
Deus, qui pópulo tuo aetérnae salútis beátum Ambrósium minístrum tribuísti: praesta, quaesumus; ut, quem Doctórem vitae habúimus in terris, intercessórem habére mereámur in coelis.
O God, who didst give unto Thy people blessed Ambrose to be a minister of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be worthy to have as an intercessor in heaven him, whom we have had as a teacher of life on earth.
(Collect)
Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01383c.htm
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