The Ambrosian Rite
The Ambrosian Rite (Italian: rito ambrosiano) is a Latin liturgical rite of the Catholic Church, named after Saint Ambrose, the celebrated 4th-century bishop of Milan. This rite is predominantly used by around five million Catholics within the greater part of the Archdiocese of Milan, and also in some parishes of the Diocese of Como, Bergamo, Novara, Lodi, and the Diocese of Lugano, located in the Canton of Ticino, Switzerland.
Historical Background
Saint Ambrose
Ambrose of Milan (c. 339 – 397 AD) was a theologian and statesman who significantly influenced the development of the Ambrosian Rite. Although there is no direct evidence that he composed the rite itself, his name has been associated with it since the 8th century. Ambrose introduced hymnody from the Eastern Church into Western liturgy, thereby shaping the unique characteristics of what would become the Ambrosian Rite.
Evolution and Suppression
The Ambrosian Rite evolved from the 4th century onwards. Despite its regional specificity, it faced multiple threats of suppression over the centuries, especially from advocates of the Roman Rite. However, it survived due to its deep-rooted presence in Milan and the efforts of influential Milanese bishops. The rite was notably reformed after the Second Vatican Council, a process that saw contributions from Pope Paul VI, who was once the Archbishop of Milan.
Liturgical Elements
Ambrosian Chant
Ambrosian chant, also known as Milanese chant, is the liturgical plainchant repertory of the Ambrosian Rite. It developed to meet the specific needs of the Milanese liturgy and is distinct from Gregorian chant. Ambrosian chant features unique musical styles and chant texts, reflecting its historical and regional particularities.
Thurible
A thurible (via Old French from Medieval Latin turibulum) is a metal censer suspended from chains, in which incense is burned during worship services. In the Ambrosian Rite, the thurible has distinct ceremonial uses, lacking a top cover and being swung clockwise before censing.
Te Deum
The Te Deum is a Latin Christian hymn traditionally attributed to AD 387. It is central to the Ambrosian hymnal and was disseminated throughout the Western Church alongside other parts of the Ambrosian Rite. Though often linked to Saint Ambrose, modern scholarship generally refutes his authorship.
Ambrosian Hymns
The Ambrosian hymns are an early collection of hymns associated with the Ambrosian liturgical tradition. These hymns, although not necessarily authored by Saint Ambrose, played an essential role in the formation of the Ambrosian Rite and its musical and theological identity.
Related Rites
Mozarabic Rite
The Mozarabic Rite, also known as the Hispanic Rite, shares historical links with the Ambrosian Rite. Both rites have roots in the Western liturgical tradition and exhibit influences from the Gallican liturgical practices.
Gallican Rite
The Gallican Rite was a historical form of Christian liturgy in Gaul. It influenced the development of both the Ambrosian and Mozarabic rites. The Ambrosian Rite, in particular, shares many characteristics with the Gallican Rite, which sets it apart from the Roman Rite.
Celtic Rite
The Celtic Rite was another Western liturgical tradition with influences on the Ambrosian Rite. Like the Gallican and Mozarabic rites, the Celtic Rite has largely been subsumed by the Roman Rite but remains a point of historical liturgical interest.
Prominent Figures
Achille Ratti
Achille Ratti, later Pope Pius XI, was one of the scholarly Archbishops of Milan who contributed to the studies and publications on the Ambrosian Rite.
Blessed Ildefonso Schuster
Blessed Ildefonso Schuster, another significant Archbishop of Milan, played a crucial role in the scholarly revival and preservation of the Ambrosian Rite in the 20th century.