Concerning Widows

by Ambrose of Milan

THE writer informs us himself at the beginning of his treatise that he felt moved by the example of St. Paul, after speaking about virgins, to continue with the subject of widows. But there was also another matter in his own diocese which touched him personally, and caused him at once to take up the matter. A certain widow who had several daughters, some married already and others of marriageable age, began to think of a second marriage for herself. St. Ambrose, partly for her own sake, partly that it might not be supposed that he had in any way advised the step, published the following treatise. In the first place he affirms that the profession of widowhood comes very close to that of virginity, and is to be esteemed far above the married state. He proves this by the testimony of St. Paul and by his description of one who is a widow indeed; also by many examples taken both from the old and New Testament. Having mentioned St. Peter’s wife’s mother, he turns more particularly to the widow for whose sake he is writing, though he avoids mentioning her name, pointing out how really empty and insufficient are all the reasons she is setting before herself for marrying again. The marriage bond is, indeed, he says, holy and good, and the married and single are as various kinds of flowers in the field of the church. There is, however, more corn produced than lilies, more that is married than virgin. He points out that widowhood has been held in dishonor by idolaters alone, for which reason it may well be held in honor by Christians. St. Ambrose does not condemn a second marriage, though placing widowhood before it, as being bound to aim at leading those committed to his loving care to the highest possible degree of perfection. The treatise was written not long after that concerning Virgins, that is, soon after A.D. 377.

Unknown Binding

About the author

born perhaps 340

Saint , bishop of Milan from 374, wrote, composed, and imposed orthodoxy on the early Christian Church.

This ecclesiastical figure of the 4th century most influenced. He served as consular prefect of Liguria and Emilia, headquartered, before popular acclamation. Ambrose staunchly opposed Arianism, and people accused him of fostering persecutions of Jews and pagans.

Tradition credits Ambrose with promoting "antiphonal chant", a style in which one side of the choir responds alternately, as well as Veni redemptor gentium, a hymn of Advent.

Ambrose ranks of the four original doctors of the Church, and the patron. He notably influenced Saint Augustine of Hippo.

Reviews

[Adonis McReynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful work with exhortations to all who read to pursue Christ over a second marriage if possible. Ambrose sheds a beautiful light on all the widows in the Scriptures who were exceedingly blessed because they chose to live a life of extreme chastity yet at the same time with the grace of Christ he does not condemn those who wish to be married again rather he gives kind instruction to live honorably within that second opportunity for love.

[nelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

nazywanie w IV wieku małżeństwa rzymskiego niewolą, od której kobiety powinny się uwolnić? czy to definicja ,,this is modern feminism talking"? (yes and I lowkey loved it)