E05209: Ambrose of Milan, preaches a sermon (the Exhortatio Virginitatis, 'Exhortation to Virginity') in Latin in Florence (central Italy) in 393/4 which refers to the relics of *Agricola and Vitalis (master and slave, martyrs of Bologna, S00310) being used to consecrate a church in Florence.

Ambrose of Milan, Exhortatio Virginitatis 1-2

Summary:

Ambrose opens the sermon by discussing the relics he has brought with him. When in Bologna, he found the relics of two martyrs. Their names were Agricola and Vitalis and they were a master and slave who were martyred together (1.1-2). Ambrose states that the disparity in the social status of the two martyrs shows all are equal in God, and that anyone can be freed through martyrdom (1.3). He then provides accounts of Vitalis’ profession of faith and the deaths of both: unlike his master, Agricola was crucified (1.4-5). Their bodies were found in a Jewish cemetery (1.8-9). Ambrose brought relics with him to the church – some wood and nails from the cross – which have the power to reveal demons (daemones confitentur) (2.9). He brought these relics 'which are now concealed under the holy altar' (quae nunc sub sacris altaribus reconduntur) of the church which a widow Juliana had built, as part of the consecration ceremony (2.10). Ambrose continues his sermon with a discussion of the value of virginity.

Summary: Frances Trzeciak.