Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan
December 7 – St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan
(c. between 337 and 340 – 4 April 397) A bishop of Milan and one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century. He was one of the four original doctors of the Church. Ambrosian chant was named in his honor; he is credited with introducing hymnody from the Eastern Church into the West. He composed original hymns as well, four of which still survive, along with music. Marked by dignified simplicity, they served as a fruitful model for later times: Deus Creator Omnium, Aeterne rerum conditor, Jam surgit hora tertia, Jam Christus astra ascendante,Veni redemptor gentium. St. Ambrose was also traditionally credited with composing the hymn Te Deum, which he is said to have composed when he baptized St. Augustine of Hippo, his celebrated convert.