0 saved#5,816 of 6,224

Feast of St. Ambrose

Celebrate the Feast of St. Ambrose with a delicious feast fit for a saint - gather your loved ones and enjoy some indulgent Italian cuisine!

Monday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEDecember 7

OBSERVED INItaly

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYChristian

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the Feast of St. Ambrose on December 7, a day dedicated to honoring one of the most influential and beloved saints in Christianity. St. Ambrose was a bishop of Milan in the 4th century, known for his teachings and writings that have had a lasting impact on theology and religious practices. This special day is not only celebrated by Catholics, but also by Orthodox Christians and Anglicans around the world. It's a time to reflect on the life and legacy of this remarkable saint, and perhaps even indulge in some Italian cuisine as St. Ambrose is also the patron saint of Milan. Let's dive into the rich history of this feast day with excitement and gratitude!

TIMELINE

Feast of St. Ambrose Timeline

Birth of St. Ambrose

St. Ambrose, one of the four original Doctors of the Church, was born in Trier, now present-day Germany.

St. Ambrose Becomes Bishop

Despite being unbaptized, Ambrose was proclaimed Bishop of Milan due to public acclaim.

Passing of St. Ambrose

St. Ambrose died on April 4. His teachings and contributions to Christianity continue to inspire theological thought.

Feast Day Established

Pope Boniface VIII recognized December 7 as the Feast of St. Ambrose, allowing formal veneration in the Catholic Church.

Canonization and Doctorate

St. Ambrose was canonized and declared a Doctor of the Church, an honorific title bestowed by the Catholic Church on saints recognized as having made significant contribution to theology or doctrine.

Spread of St. Ambrose's Veneration

By the 1800s, Feast of St. Ambrose was being celebrated not only by Roman Catholics, but also by Eastern Orthodox Christians and Anglicans around the world.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Feast of St. Ambrose

Attend a mass in honor of St. Ambrose

The Feast of St. Ambrose is a religious holiday, so one of the best ways to celebrate is by attending a mass in honor of St. Ambrose at your local church or cathedral.

ORGANIZE

Organize a charity event

St. Ambrose is known for his acts of charity and helping those in need. In his honor, organize a charity event or volunteer at a local organization to give back to the community.

PREPARE

Prepare a traditional Italian feast

St. Ambrose was from Milan, Italy and the traditional way to celebrate his feast day is by preparing and enjoying a delicious Italian feast. Cook up some traditional dishes like risotto, polenta, and tiramisu to honor St. Ambrose’s roots.

VISIT

Visit a local art museum

St. Ambrose was also known for his support of the arts, particularly in the form of religious art. Visit a local art museum to appreciate and learn about religious art and its significance in honoring St. Ambrose.

READ

Read about the life of St. Ambrose

Take some time to learn about the life of St. Ambrose by reading a biography or other literature about him. This will not only help you understand the significance of the holiday, but also deepen your appreciation for this influential saint.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Feast of St. Ambrose is Important

Provides a time for reflection and renewal

For many Catholics, the Feast of St. Ambrose serves as a time for spiritual reflection and renewal. It’s an opportunity to reflect on one's own faith and the teachings of Saint Ambrose, and to recommit to living a life aligned with these principles.

Celebrates the life and legacy of Saint Ambrose

The Feast of St. Ambrose is an important day in the Catholic tradition, as it honors one of the most influential figures in early Christian history. Saint Ambrose was known for his devotion to spreading the faith and his teachings on morality, making this holiday a celebration of his impact on the Church.

Brings communities together

The Feast of St. Ambrose is often celebrated with parades, feasts, and other community events. These gatherings not only honor Saint Ambrose, but also bring people from different backgrounds and beliefs together to celebrate their shared faith and values.