Right after St. Nicholas’ feast day comes that of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, who also was extremely generous, giving all his land and money to the poor. Legend has it that a swarm of bees landed on St. Ambrose as an infant, leaving a drop of honey on his face. His father took this to mean that his son had the gift of speech. Known for his eloquence and as the “honey-tongued Doctor of the Church,” he must have said something good to help convert the famously wayward St. Augustine. Be like St. Ambrose and sweeten someone’s day Dec. 7 with words of wisdom and kindness or fill a stocking with pure St. Ambrose Honey from www.stambrosehoney.com.
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, now is a good time to reflect on everything and everyone we are grateful for. The Pilgrims gave thanks for the Native Americans who taught them to farm the land, and many of the coming feast days in the Church suggest that we remember to give thanks for those who share their knowledge with us: our parents, teachers, priests, deacons, catechists and coaches. From Doctors of the Church to members of the Holy Family, everyone has a teacher to thank!