When the bishop of Milan died, a dispute over his replacement was
leading to violence. Ambrose intervened to calm both sides; he
impressed everyone involved so much that while he was still an
unbaptized catechuman, he was chosen to fill the see. He resisted,
claiming that he was not worthy, but to prevent further violence, he
assented, and on 7 December 374 he was baptized, ordained as a priest,
and consecrated as bishop. He immediately gave away his wealth to the
Church and the poor both for the good it did, and as an example to his
flock.
Preacher, teacher, bible student of renown, and writer of liturgical
hymns, Ambrose stood firm against pagans and Arians. His preaching
helped convert Saint Augustine of Hippo, whom Ambrose baptized and
brought into the Church. Ambrose's preaching brought Emporer Theodosius
to do public penance for his sins. He called and chaired several
theological councils during his time as bishop, many devoted to
fighting heresy. He was proclaimed a great Doctor of the Latin Church
by Pope Boniface VIII in 1298.
The title "Honey Tongued Doctor," initially bestowed because of his
speaking and preaching ability, led to the use of a beehive and bees in
his iconography, symbols which also indicate wisdom. This led to his
association with bees, beekeepers, chandlers, wax refiners, etc.
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