E00850: The Life of *Ambrose (bishop of Milan, northern Italy, ob. 397, S00490) by Paulinus of Milan, presents him as a miracle-worker and defender of the Church and orthodoxy against Arians and emperors. Written in Latin, probably in North Africa, c. 422. Overview entry.

Paulinus of Milan, Life of Ambrose

The Life of Ambrose is presented as written at the request of Augustine of Hippo, who asked Paulinus to follow the example of the Lives of Antony, Paul and Martin (see E00692 and E00631, § 1). It is meant to present the entire life of its hero (§ 2). The narrative starts with two prophetic signs which predict his future mastery of words and election to the bishopric: When he is a toddler a swarm of bees, flies over his mouth (§ 3) and when he is a boy, he once gives his hand to kiss to his sister, apparently joking that he will become a bishop, but actually predicting his episcopacy (§ 4).

There follows the description of his episcopal election. When as the governor of the province of Liguria-Aemilia he is busy with putting down the turmoil in Milan caused by the conflict in the church after the death of the Arian bishop Auxentius, a child suddenly calls ‘Ambrose for bishop’, the crowd joins in (§ 6) and ultimately Ambrose is forced to accept the people’s choice, and is baptised and ordained (§§ 7-9). After his election a paralysed woman is healed when she touches his garments (§ 10).

As bishop Ambrose has to face the hostility and plots of the empress Justina who supports Arians, but thanks to God’s assistance his enemies are punished by death and exile. The plan of taking over a Catholic basilica by the Arians fails, since the soldiers who were to execute it join the people gathered in the church (§§ 11-13). Thanks to a revelation, Ambrose discovers the bodies of the martyrs Gervasius and Protasius in Milan (§§ 14-16, see $E00904).

An Arian is converted to the Catholic faith when he sees that Ambrose is assisted by an angel (§ 17). Two Arian courtiers who challenged Ambrose to a dispute, but failed to attend, are punished by God with death (§ 18). Ambrose rebukes the emperor Maximus (§ 19). The demons sent against him by a sorcerer are unable to penetrate into his house (§ 20). He casts out a demon from a boy (§ 21). He rebukes the emperor Theodosius and forces him to make a public penance (§§ 22-24). He also rebukes the emperors Valentinian II and Eugenius (§§ 25-27). He expels a demon from a boy in Florence and then brings a child back to life (§ 28). He discovers the bodies of the martyrs Vitalis and Agricola in Bologna (§ 29, see $E00853).

The Franks know his name and believe in his power which makes generals win wars (§ 30). He predicts the victory of the emperor Theodosius over Eugenius (§ 31). He discovers the body of the martyr Nazarius (§§ 32-33, see $E00905). He defends a man who sought asylum in a church and is assisted in this by a miracle (§ 34). He corresponds with Fritigil, queen of the Marcomanni, and through his influence this tribe makes peace with the Romans (§ 36). He predicts the future to a magistrate (§ 37).

He holds frequent fasts and vigils and gives his property to the Church. He efficiently fulfils his episcopal duties (§ 38). He considers himself a sinner (§ 39). He predicts his death (§ 40). The author saw fire entering Ambrose’s mouth (§ 42). He gives a criminal 'to Satan for the destruction of his flesh' (§ 43), and heals a crippled man (§ 44). When Ambrose becomes ill, count Stilicho, fearing the ruin of Italy, tells some bishops to make Ambrose ask God for the extension of his life (§ 45). He predicts who will be his successor (§ 46). Before his death, he is visited by Christ (§ 47). After his death, when his body is transferred to the Basilica Ambrosiana in which he is to be buried, the demons cry through the mouth of the possessed that they are being tortured by him. Crowds of Christians, but also Jews, participate in his funeral (§ 48, see $E00894). He appears to many people, predicting the future and promising help and protection against enemies (§§ 49-52, see $E00895).

Men who disparage the memory of Ambrose are punished by God (§§ 53-54). The author encourages his readers to imitate the example of Ambrose and to shun the voices of the detractors (§ 55), and asks Augustine for prayer (§ 56).

Summary: Robert Wiśniewski.