RELIC OF SAINT AMBROSE

Rare BRONZE reliquary with a glass front containing a relic of Saint Ambrose. The relic is placed on a red silk background and is surrounded by silver thread decoration. It is identified in Latin on a handwritten label as: 

"S. AmbroE. D."
Translation: Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

Good used condition with its original glass.

Unopened.

Ecclesiastical seal and silk threads present.

PERIOD: 18th century
DIMENSIONS: 3 cm x 2 cm
SIZE: 1.2" x 0.8"

Saint Ambrose (c. 340–397) was Bishop of Milan and one of the four great Doctors of the Latin Church. Born in Trier into a Christian family of the Roman aristocracy, he was first a governor before being acclaimed bishop by the people—even though he was not yet baptized. Ambrose played a major role in the fight against Arianism and firmly asserted the authority of the Church over imperial power. He had a profound influence on Saint Augustine, whom he baptized in 387. As a theologian, preacher, and poet, he composed many liturgical hymns. His theological work, especially on the Holy Spirit and the Church, left a lasting mark on Western tradition. He is commemorated on December 7.