St. Ambrose

I was a Roman nobility. Brother of Saint Marcellina and Saint Satyrus. I was Educated in the classics, Greek, and philosophy at Rome. Poet and noted orator. Convert. Governor of Milan.When the bishop of Milan died, a dispute over his replacement was leading to violence. I intervened to calm both sides; I impressed everyone involved so much that while I was still an unbaptized catechuman, I was chosen to fill the see. I resisted, claiming that I was not worthy, but to prevent further violence, I assented, and on 7 December 374 I was baptized, ordained as a priest, and consecrated as bishop. I immediately gave away my wealth to the Church and the poor both for the good it did, and as an example to my flock.Preacher, teacher, bible student of renown, and writer of liturgical hymns. I stood firm against pagans and Arians. My preaching helped convert Saint Augustine of Hippo, whom I baptized and brought into the Church. My preaching brought Emporer Theodosius to do public penance for his sins. I called and chaired several theological councils during my time as bishop, many devoted to fighting heresy. I Welcomed Saint Ursus and Saint Alban of Mainz when they fled Naxos to escape Arian persecution, and then sent them on to evangelize in Gaul and Germany. I was Proclaimed a great Doctor of the Latin Church by Pope Boniface VIII in 1298.The title "Honey Tongued Doctor," initially bestowed because of my speaking and preaching ability, led to the use of a beehive and bees in my iconography, symbols which also indicate wisdom. This led to my association with bees, beekeepers, chandlers, wax refiners, etc.