The title of “Doctor of the Church” is bestowed on certain saints for their skillful defense of the Faith. While they are known as Doctors, the name has no connection with medical science. Rather, in this context the term “doctor” refers to a learned man who is also a great teacher. A Doctor of the Church is therefore one who has plumbed the depths of theological mysteries and is recognized as a great teacher of the Faith for all Catholic generations. Holy Mother Church imparts great authority to the writings and teachings of these Doctors, and they serve as a kind of benchmark of orthodoxy.
In the sanctuary of St. Peter’s Basilica is the magnificent bronze sculpture of the throne of St. Peter. And at the base of the throne are statues of the four original doctors of the Church: St. Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Gregory the Great, and St. Ambrose, whom we celebrate today. The four saints were given the title “Doctor of the Church” by Pope Boniface XIII on September 20, 1295.
St. Ambrose was of the Roman nobility, trained in the classics, a poet, and a noted orator. In the year 370, while Ambrose was the Roman governor of Milan, the bishop died, and a heated argument erupted over who would be the next bishop. Ambrose tried to resolve this dispute, and his oratory struck such a chord with the people that someone shouted out, “Ambrose for bishop”. Ironically, the great orator was speechless, for he had no intention of being a priest or bishop. He wasn’t even baptized, for he was only a catechumen preparing for baptism.
He resisted, claiming that he was unworthy, but the people continued to acclaim, “Ambrose for bishop”. The people prevailed, mostly because Ambrose wanted to preserve peace. So on December 7 of that year, he was baptized, and was consecrated a bishop, a week later. He immediately gave away his wealth to the Church.
Bishop Ambrose was well-educated in the classics, but he was almost entirely ignorant of the Scriptures. So the new Bishop briskly began to study them…talk about learning on the job! From the works of Origen, he learned to know and to comment on the Bible and to preach and defend the faith.
We know how Ambrose’s preaching captivated the young St. Augustine, when Augustine was still dabbling in the heretical cults. Augustine heard the preaching of Bishop Ambrose, whose clear and zealous apostolic preaching caused Augustine to renounce his heresies and seek conversion. So Ambrose is a doctor of doctors.
Ambrose proclaimed the need to give your entire selves to Jesus Christ. “Omnia Christus est nobis!” Full of love for Jesus, Saint Ambrose proclaimed, “To us Christ is everything! If you have a wound to heal, he is the doctor; if you are parched by fever, he is the spring; if you are oppressed by injustice, he is justice; if you are in need of help, he is strength; if you fear death, he is life; if you desire Heaven, he is the way; if you are in the darkness, he is light…Taste and see how good is the Lord: blessed is the man who hopes in him!” Like Ambrose, may Christ be all for us, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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We raise up our prayers of petitions, as we await with longing the Advent of Christ the Lord.
That the teaching and preaching of the Pope and all bishops and clergy will be founded firmly upon the full truth of the Word of God.
That all those who wander in error, far from the Gospel of Christ, may be led through the preaching and example of the Christian people to the fullness of faith.
That our president and all civil servants will carry out their duties with justice, honesty, and respect for the dignity of every human life.
That Christ may banish disease, drive out hunger, and ward off every affliction.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Almighty ever-living God, who bring salvation to all and desire that no one should perish, hear the prayers of your people and grant that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and your Church rejoice in tranquility and devotion. Through Christ our Lord.
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