Chalice employees gather each morning for prayer before beginning our busy workdays. As part of our prayer, we often share stories of the saints and reflect on how their lives can inspire and guide us in our own journeys of faith.
Saint Ambrose was a bishop who lived during a time of great uncertainty and division in the Church and in society. Though he had not sought the role of bishop, he embraced the call and devoted himself to serving God and the people entrusted to him. He was known for his wisdom, courage and care for the poor, and he was not afraid to speak out when justice and the truth were at stake. Ambrose understood that faith was not simply something to be believed, but something to be lived through service, compassion and love for others. His life reminds us that even in difficult and divided times, we are called to stand with those who are struggling and to point one another toward Christ.
Prayer:
Saint Ambrose,
pray for us that we may have the courage to stand firm in our faith,
the wisdom to know what is right,
and the compassion to walk alongside those who are struggling.
Help us to serve others with humility and to bring hope and peace
to those who need it most.
Lead us closer to Christ and teach us to live our faith through our words and actions.
Saint Ambrose, pray for us. Amen.
Pray with us
Patron of:
- Beekeepers
- Bishops
- Candlemakers
- Bakers
- School children
- Stone masons
- Students
- Wax melters
- Milan
- Bologna
- Domestic Animals
Life Span:
339-397
From:
Roman Empire (Germany)
Feast Day:
December 7th
Reflection:
Among the saints who have had a meaningful impact on my faith journey, St. Ambrose is one whom I often turn to for inspiration. What attracts me most about him is not only his wisdom as a bishop but also his courage to stand with people during times of uncertainty and division.
Throughout my years of priestly ministry in Manipur, I have witnessed firsthand the pain and struggles faced by many families. I have encountered children whose education was interrupted by conflict, parents anxious about providing for their families, and communities striving to heal from loss, displacement, and division. In these situations, I often think of St. Ambrose, who led the Church during a challenging period and reminded people that faith must be lived through service, justice, and compassion.
One experience that stays with me is visiting sponsored families in remote villages. Despite their hardships, many parents continue to prioritize their children’s education and dream of a better future for them. Through the support of Chalice Canada since 2011, I have seen children remain in school, receive medical treatment, and grow in confidence. These encounters remind me that God continues to work through the generosity of ordinary people.
St. Ambrose encourages me to look beyond difficulties and focus on hope. Just as he guided his people toward Christ in troubled times, his example challenges us to become messengers of hope, peace, and compassion for others.
Reflection written by Imphal Site Director, Fr. Soni Thomas, India
