Selected Works of Saint Ambrose (Annotated)

Selected Works of Saint Ambrose (Sempiterna Press Edition)Annotated and Translated by Henry Eugene de Romestin“The Church belongs to God, therefore it ought not to be assigned to Caesar.”The transition of the Roman Empire from a pagan superpower to a Christian civilization required leaders of immense moral resolve, administrative genius, and intellectual depth. At the absolute center of this transformation stood Saint Ambrose of Milan (c. 339–397 AD). A high-ranking imperial governor unexpectedly swept into the episcopacy by popular acclaim, Ambrose brought the iron will of a Roman statesman and the brilliant rhetorical training of the classical world to the altar, permanently redefining the relationship between Church and State.Sempiterna Press is proud to present this meticulously curated, single-volume collection of Ambrose’s essential writings. Utilizing the celebrated translations and annotations of Henry Eugene de Romestin, this fully annotated edition offers an unparalleled window into the mind of a Doctor of the Church who mentored Saint Augustine, held emperors accountable, and served as the premier architect of Western Christian ethics.COMPREHENSIVE TABLE OF CONTENTSOn the Duties of the Clergy: Ambrose’s crowning ethical masterpiece, which masterfully "baptizes" classical Roman virtue—justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude—by anchoring them completely in Christian Scripture.On the Holy Spirit: A major three-book dogmatic treatise that seamlessly weaves Greek theology into the Latin tongue to defend the full divinity and co-equality of the Third Person of the Trinity.On the Decease of His Brother Satyrus: A deeply moving, two-part funeral oration that reveals a vulnerable pastor wrestling with personal grief while delivering a brilliant discourse on the certainty of the resurrection.Exposition of the Christian Faith: A formidable, five-book systematic defense of orthodox Trinitarian theology, originally written to refute Arian heresies and guide the young Emperor Gratian.On the Mysteries: A rare, profound look at early Christian liturgy, delivering deep mystagogical catechesis to the newly baptized regarding the supernatural realities behind Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist.Concerning Repentance: A vital defense of the Church's divine authority to bind and loose sins, perfectly balancing the necessity of personal penance with the overwhelming, restorative grace of Christ.Concerning Virgins: A highly influential, three-book spiritual treatise addressed to his sister Marcellina, elevating the beauty of consecrated devotion and the radical pursuit of holiness.Concerning Widows: Practical and compassionate pastoral guidance affirming the dignity, spiritual freedom, and vital ministry of widowhood within the domestic realities of the late Roman world.Selection of Letters: A front-row seat to history, featuring Ambrose’s private spiritual counsels, everyday diocesan management, and his historic, uncompromising confrontations with the imperial court.Fully Annotated for Deep StudyTo navigate Ambrose's sharp polemics, theological depth, and late Roman cultural context, this edition is fully annotated. Henry Eugene de Romestin’s comprehensive notes, index, and commentary guide the modern reader through complex historical figures, legal battles, and intricate scriptural cross-references. Prefaced by the historic overview from the Catholic Encyclopedia, this volume is an indispensable asset for both academic scholars and serious lay readers. Read more