Our patron saint, Saint Ambrose of Milan, lived in the late Roman Empire (ca. 340-397 AD) and witnessed some turbulent times, not unlike the times we are living in right now.
Ethan Gannaway, PhD, Associate Director of the Academy for the Study of Saint Ambrose of Milan, helps us learn about Ambrose, his message, and how it applies more than 2000 years later. Just as Ambrose's words in the first century urged his audience to care for those in need and foster community cohesion, so now can his advice guide us today as we seek healing for ourselves and our communities.
Social Distancing
Although Ambrose lived at a time without rapid transit or high-speed internet, he sought to maintain relationships with often-distant friends and family members by means of the letter. In the quotes you read below, Ambrose expresses the essence of the letter, namely that it makes the author present and reminds the recipient that no matter how far apart you may be physically, the heart, mind, and soul keep loved ones always present.
"When I was not with you, did I not follow you with all my love, you to whom I clung with mind and heart? Surely the presence of minds is more important [than physical presence]." - Ep. 1.1 To Emperor Gratian.
"Since our practice of writing letters gives you pleasure too, whereby those who are far apart indulge in conversation as though they were near, I shall continue often addressing my writings to you, even when I am alone. ... Then, at least, I summon at will those whom I will, and I bring to my side those whom I love more dearly...."
-Ep. 26 (49) to Bishop Sabinus ca. 390 CE.
"There is no doubt that letter-writing was devised that the absent may converse with those far away, and this improves in service and in form when many pleasant words are exchanged...for then truly there is conveyed to those far removed in the body a seeming likeness of the other's presence. By these exchanges, love is strengthened...."
- Ep. 87 (66) to Romulus.
Community Cohesion
As bishop of Milan, an imperial capital of the Roman Empire, Ambrose knew social conflict. He understood that one of his primary responsibilities was to unify this socially, religiously, and culturally diverse community of permanent residents and court officials, soldiers, merchants, and refugees. Ambrose's exhortations to virtue are, in short, calls to form friendships and create communities, expressing love and goodwill for all.
"People ought to believe that nothing concerning human life is someone else's problem."
- On Duties 3.7.45
"Whether following the will of God or our bond with nature, let us be a help to each other ... let us bring aid to one another, either through effort or duty or money or good works or in any way we can so that we might increase the sense of fellowship among us."
- On Duties 1.28.135
"It is clear that equity strengthens administrative powers and injustice weakens it.... The greatest need, then, is kindness, so that we protect not only public governance but also private rights. Goodwill helps the most when it is eager to embrace all with kindness, to overcome all with services, and to make pledges to all with friendliness."
- On Duties 2.19.95
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