The Diocese of Phoenix shared a quote from St. Ambrose on his feast day, which is celebrated on Dec. 7, as a way to remember this holy man in the Catholic Church. 

St. Ambrose is one of only 36 Doctors of the Church. 

“Today we celebrate the Memorial of St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the church,” the diocese posted.

“'No one heals himself by wounding another.' –St. Ambrose,” the Diocese of Phoenix shared on Facebook. 

According to Crossroads Initiative, “‘Doctor of the Church’ is an official title that a Pope can bestow upon a person who has made significant and lasting contributions to the church.  Throughout the history of the Catholic Church, only 36 people have ever been granted this title."

Crossroads Initiative then lists the three requirements to becoming a Doctor of the Church: "Holiness that is truly outstanding, even among saints; depth of doctrinal insight; and an extensive body of writings which the church can recommend as an expression of the authentic and life-giving Catholic Tradition.”

St. Ambrose lived around 340 A.D. in what is now known as Germany. He was a student of law, literature and rhetoric and studied in Rome, becoming governor of the city. After the death of the Bishop of Milan in 374, people in the city began to call for Ambrose to take the position but as he was unbaptized and not well versed in theology, he resisted the cries for his leadership. While he tried to resist and go into hiding, he was eventually found and was baptized and named the Bishop of Milan. 

Ambrose is known for his generosity, marked by the choice to give away all of his land and money immediately upon becoming bishop. It is Ambrose who played perhaps one of the biggest roles in the lift of St. Augustine, whom he baptized in 387.