Aurelius Ambrosius (c. 340–397), better known in English as Ambrose, was a bishop of Milan who became one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century. Ambrose was a staunch opponent of Arianism, and has been accused of fostering persecutions of Arians, Jews, and pagans. Traditionally, Ambrose is credited with promoting "antiphonal chant", a style of chanting in which one side of the choir responds alternately to the other, as well as with composing Veni redemptor gentium, an Advent hymn. Ambrose was one of the four original Doctors of the Church, and is the patron saint of Milan. His feast day is celebrated on December 7 and he is a patron saint of Bee keepers; bees; bishops; candle makers; domestic animals; French Commissariat; geese; learning; livestock; Milan; police officers; students; and wax refiners.
Saint Vitalis of Milan (Italian: San Vitale) was an early Christian martyr and saint married to Saint Valeria. They have been the parents of the Saints Gervasius and Protasius. According to the Tradition, when he encouraged Saint Ursicinus of Ravenna to be steadfast at his execution, Vitalis was discovered to be a Christian. A judge Paulinus ordered Vitalis to be racked and then buried alive. His feast is commemorated
on April 28.
Saint Valeria of Milan (d. 1st or 2nd century), according to Christian tradition, was the wife of Vitalis of Milan and the mother of Sts. Gervasius and Protasius. According tothe tradition, on 3 June, Valeria was discovered by Roman soldiers searching for Christians. She avowed herself to be one of the faithful. Following terrible tortures, Valeria was beheaded in the Coliseum in the company of several other martyrs. Her remains were gathered by other Christians and were deposited in the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian.
Her feast day is commemorated on April 28.
Saints Gervasius and Protasius are venerated as Christian martyrs, probably of the 2nd century. They are the patron saints of Milan and of haymakers and are invoked for the discovery of thieves. Their feast day in the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church is 19 June, the day marking the translation of their relics. In the Eastern Orthodox Church and in the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church, their feast takes place on 14 October (O.S.)/24 October (N.S.), the traditional day of their death.