Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Saint Ambrose was born around 339 in Augusta Treverorum (modern Trier, in today’s Germany), into a Roman Christian family. After his father’s death, he moved with his mother and siblings to Rome, where he studied literature, law, and rhetoric, then entered public service. By about 372 he was serving as Roman governor in Milan, known for steadiness and fairness. In 374, amid turmoil after the death of the Arian bishop Auxentius, Ambrose went to keep the peace at the election—only to be acclaimed by the people as bishop. Though unbaptized and untrained in theology, he accepted after initial refusal; within a week he was baptized, ordained, and consecrated. As bishop of Milan, he embraced an ascetic life, gave his wealth to the poor, and became a fearless defender of Nicene faith against Arianism and pagan pressures. His preaching and writings shaped the Church, and he helped guide Augustine of Hippo toward conversion. Venerated as a great Latin Father and Doctor of the Church, he is also patron of Milan and beekeepers. His feast day is December 7.

Saint Burgundofara, also known as Saint Fara or Fare, was born into a noble Frankish family near Meaux in Gaul, the daughter of Chagneric and sister of Saint Faro. As a child she was blessed by the great Irish missionary Saint Columbanus, who consecrated her to the Lord, foreshadowing the path her heart already desired. When she was later betrothed against her will, Burgundofara fell gravely ill; through the prayers of Saint Eustasius of Luxeuil she recovered, and with renewed courage she sought refuge at the church of Saint Stephen in Meaux, choosing Christ over an unwanted marriage. With Eustasius’s support and the approval of Bishop Gundoald of Meaux, she founded a monastery on her family’s lands. First called Evoriacum, it came to be known as Faremoutiers in her honor, and she served as its first abbess, guiding many souls in prayer and consecrated life. She is venerated as the holy foundress of Faremoutiers and patroness of Cinisi and Faremoutiers. Her feast day is celebrated on December 7.

Saint Sabinus of Spoleto, born in Italy (his exact birthplace and date are unknown), served as a bishop in the early Church during the fierce Diocletianic Persecution. When imperial orders demanded that Christians sacrifice to the Roman gods, Sabinus remained steadfast, strengthening the faithful and refusing to deny the risen Christ. Tradition recounts that he and his deacons were arrested at Assisi by Venustian, governor of Etruria and Umbria. As his deacons suffered martyrdom, Sabinus urged them to persevere, and he himself endured brutal punishment, even having his hands cut off. Imprisoned and cared for by a woman named Serena, Sabinus continued to witness to Christ with mercy and power, healing a man born blind. When Venustian sought healing for his own eyes, Sabinus restored his sight, leading to the governor’s conversion. Yet the authorities soon intervened: Venustian and his family were executed, and Sabinus was beaten to death at Spoleto around the year 303. Venerated as a courageous bishop and martyr, he is honored as patron of Ivrea and Monselice. His feast day is December 7.