Letter 78

From: Ambrose, Bishop of Milan To: The clergy of a northern Italian diocese Date: ~391 AD Context: A letter sent in advance of an episcopal consecration, outlining the rite and its meaning, and instructing the clergy on their responsibilities during the transition to a new bishop. Ambrose to the clergy — greetings in the Lord. I will come to you shortly to consecrate your new bishop, and I want you to understand what will happen and what it means. The consecration of a bishop is not a promotion — it is a burden. The man who approaches the episcopal chair should do so as one approaches the cross, not the throne. He is about to assume responsibility for every soul in his diocese — their faith, their morals, their eternal destiny. If that does not terrify him, he has not understood the office. The rite itself is ancient and simple. The candidate is presented to the people and the bishops. He is examined on his faith and his intentions. The bishops lay their hands on his head and invoke the Holy Spirit. From that moment, he is a bishop — not by his own merit but by the grace of God transmitted through the laying on of hands that stretches back, in an unbroken chain, to the apostles themselves. Your duty as clergy is to support your new bishop. He will make mistakes — every new bishop does. Correct him privately when he errs, but support him publicly without reservation. A divided clergy destroys a diocese faster than any heresy. Your other duty is to continue the work you have been doing during the vacancy. The poor still need feeding. The catechumens still need teaching. The liturgy still needs celebrating. A new bishop does not create the church; he inherits it. Make sure what he inherits is in good order. I look forward to the consecration and to meeting those of you I do not yet know. Prepare your churches, prepare your candidate, and prepare your hearts. In Christ, farewell.

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