Festival of Saint Ambrose

Saint Ambrose, patron saint of Cologno Monzese

Cologno Monzese, in the province of Milan, celebrates its patron saint, Saint Ambrose, on December 7th. He is the same patron saint of Milan and the entire Ambrosian diocese, and this choice says a lot about the history of the territory.

A historical link with the Ambrosian diocese

The devotion to Saint Ambrose in Cologno stems from the connection with the monastery of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan, which over the centuries owned lands and farms in the municipal area. Although there is no church dedicated to the saint in the city, the devotion has deep historical roots, intertwined with the agricultural and religious events of the area east of Milan.

The tradition of December 7th

As in the entire Ambrosian area, December 7th is a significant date: in Cologno Monzese, in honor of the patron saint, schools close, following a tradition shared with the provincial capital. The recurrence is accompanied by religious celebrations of the local pastoral community.

Saint Ambrose, the bishop of Milan

Ambrose, born in Trier around 340, became bishop of Milan in 374 and was one of the most influential figures in the Church of his time. Tradition attributes several famous episodes to him, from the image of bees resting on his mouth as a baby to the discovery of the bodies of Saints Gervasius and Protasius. His feast day, December 7th, is one of the strongest identity moments for Milan and for the municipalities in its hinterland, such as Cologno Monzese.