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TAN Resurrection
A Tale of Death and Glory: The Acts of St. Sebastian and His Companions
In his illustrious life, Saint Sebastian was the senior commanding officer of the elite forces for the greatest military power on the planet—the Roman Empire. By his glorious death, he became a commander in the greatest military power in the universe—the communion of saints of the Roman Catholic Church.
Throughout the Church’s history, countless martyrs have offered their lives to Christ rather than deny Him. One of the most revered is Saint Sebastian, and for this, his name appears in the Roman Canon. A native of Milan, Saint Sebastian was the primus pilus , the senior centurion of elite soldiers in the Roman army who commanded eight hundred of the best soldiers in the world’s greatest military at the time. Taking the same ethic for the spiritual battle as he did for the empire’s battles, Saint Sebastian worked tirelessly and inconspicuously to strengthen other Christians, especially during the cruel persecutions and martyrdoms of the third century.
The heroic examples of Saint Sebastian and his companions inspired others to follow the Lamb of God, even to the point of death, giving their lives as holocausts to the one, true living God rather than worship devils. It is only fitting that another great saint from Milan, Saint Ambrose, detailed the courage and fidelity of these brave soldiers. A Tale of Death and Glory will compel you to stay firm in your faith amidst the growing threats of persecution from secular authorities and to seek heaven with renewed vigor, for “this earthly life passes quickly, like a fleeting dream.”
Throughout the Church’s history, countless martyrs have offered their lives to Christ rather than deny Him. One of the most revered is Saint Sebastian, and for this, his name appears in the Roman Canon. A native of Milan, Saint Sebastian was the primus pilus , the senior centurion of elite soldiers in the Roman army who commanded eight hundred of the best soldiers in the world’s greatest military at the time. Taking the same ethic for the spiritual battle as he did for the empire’s battles, Saint Sebastian worked tirelessly and inconspicuously to strengthen other Christians, especially during the cruel persecutions and martyrdoms of the third century.
The heroic examples of Saint Sebastian and his companions inspired others to follow the Lamb of God, even to the point of death, giving their lives as holocausts to the one, true living God rather than worship devils. It is only fitting that another great saint from Milan, Saint Ambrose, detailed the courage and fidelity of these brave soldiers. A Tale of Death and Glory will compel you to stay firm in your faith amidst the growing threats of persecution from secular authorities and to seek heaven with renewed vigor, for “this earthly life passes quickly, like a fleeting dream.”
- GenresReligion
104 pages, Hardcover
Published September 6, 2022
2 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Ambrose of Milan
231 books69 followersborn 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 1, 2024
This short book is a captivating and thought-provoking read.
Saint Ambrose of Milan, who lived only a few decades after the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, masterfully portrays various themes.
The persecutions under Diocletian: The text vividly describes the brutal punishments inflicted on early Christians, painting a grim picture of their suffering.
The zeal of early Christianity: It presents the fervor of early Christians, whose dedication and resolve might be seen today as extreme, even irrationally fanatical.
The zeitgeist of the time: Saint Ambrose captures the societal psyche of the epoch, the tribulations, fears, and moral dilemmas faced by both Christians and pagans, offering a rare glimpse into such a historical moment.
Parallels to Stoicism: The text subtly underscores some similarities between early Christian principles and Stoic teachings, adding depth to its intellectual and moral framework and shedding some light on how Stoicism pervaded the intellectual strata of Roman society, independently of their faith.
Profoundly human characters: Unlike tales of deities and demigods, the narrative focuses on deeply human figures wrestling with moral and mental struggles. For example, a Roman officer, torn between duty and compassion, attempts to persuade new converts to return to the old gods by showing honest piety.
Religious debates: Through vivid dialogues between the many characters, the work juxtaposes logical arguments for Christianity with counterpoints from paganism, enriching the narrative with intellectual nuance.
The narration is both captivating and persuasive, demonstrating Saint Ambrose’s skills not just as a theologian but as a statesman and one of the original Doctors of the Church. He himself was a crucial figure in propagating Christianity in the Western Roman empire, countering paganism and Arianism, and his goal is elegantly evident here.
I also believe this text could be transformed into a solid theatrical play, as it offers intellectual entertainment as well as a meaningful exploration not only of faith and philosophy, but also of human weakness and resilience.
Saint Ambrose of Milan, who lived only a few decades after the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, masterfully portrays various themes.
The persecutions under Diocletian: The text vividly describes the brutal punishments inflicted on early Christians, painting a grim picture of their suffering.
The zeal of early Christianity: It presents the fervor of early Christians, whose dedication and resolve might be seen today as extreme, even irrationally fanatical.
The zeitgeist of the time: Saint Ambrose captures the societal psyche of the epoch, the tribulations, fears, and moral dilemmas faced by both Christians and pagans, offering a rare glimpse into such a historical moment.
Parallels to Stoicism: The text subtly underscores some similarities between early Christian principles and Stoic teachings, adding depth to its intellectual and moral framework and shedding some light on how Stoicism pervaded the intellectual strata of Roman society, independently of their faith.
Profoundly human characters: Unlike tales of deities and demigods, the narrative focuses on deeply human figures wrestling with moral and mental struggles. For example, a Roman officer, torn between duty and compassion, attempts to persuade new converts to return to the old gods by showing honest piety.
Religious debates: Through vivid dialogues between the many characters, the work juxtaposes logical arguments for Christianity with counterpoints from paganism, enriching the narrative with intellectual nuance.
The narration is both captivating and persuasive, demonstrating Saint Ambrose’s skills not just as a theologian but as a statesman and one of the original Doctors of the Church. He himself was a crucial figure in propagating Christianity in the Western Roman empire, countering paganism and Arianism, and his goal is elegantly evident here.
I also believe this text could be transformed into a solid theatrical play, as it offers intellectual entertainment as well as a meaningful exploration not only of faith and philosophy, but also of human weakness and resilience.
December 21, 2024
If I was living during the apocalypse, fleeing my home, and could only take one book with me as I anticipated persecution for the faith, this would be the book. Such a powerful narrative from St. Ambrose on the life of St Sebastian, and the men/women converts who became martyrs. Their stories of conversion and martyrdom are beyond powerful, and the monologues from St Sebastian (regarding the very real and human fears of the upcoming executions that awaited them) are balm to the soul. So many beautiful passages demonstrating the direct link between baptism and being a Christian. So many inspiring stories of miracles God did because of the faith of his saints. This is a fantastic read I will be revisiting in the future.
November 6, 2025
Be right back, gonna purchase and read all the books written by St. Ambrose now! I didn't expect this biography on St. Sebastian to be written in a story format! I genuinely loved this book! St. Ambrose did an excellent job highlighting what kind of a person St. Sebastian was. He was a lover of Christ, a preacher of the Gospel, firm and resolute in his faith, bold, unwavering and courageous! St. Sebastian, Ora pro nobis!
September 1, 2025
Amazing biography about Saint Sebastian and his peers around 300 AD when he lived (told in story format). Powerful stories that are amazing to learn about; contains a great few chapters that helps grasp the concept of death as St Sebastian goes very in depth explaining heaven and the purpose of life
March 15, 2023
Despite the inherent violence of occasional descriptions of persecution, this made a great family read aloud book. St Ambrose employs remarkable rhetoric to relay the compelling philosophy, steadfast courage, and victorious battles of St Sebastian and those he meets in the time of Diocletian.
April 7, 2024
Need a pep talk about facing persecution? Looking for a shining example of bravery and perseverance for Christ? Need to be reminded of the glory that awaits those who are faithful even in the most terrifying and dreadful circumstances. Look no further than this book!
May 13, 2023
Short and powerful. Such an amazing saint who helped convert many.
October 10, 2024
Absolutely intriguing and motivational in the best way.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews