Autpert Ambrose

Biographical Details:

  • Lived 730-784 A.D.

Biography:

Ambrose Autpert was a Frankish monk and theologian of the 8th century, born around 730, who became one of the leading intellectual figures of his time. He lived during a pivotal period in European history, marked by the rise of the Carolingian Empire under Charlemagne, who sought to consolidate the Christian faith across his dominion. This era, often referred to as the Carolingian Renaissance, was notable for its revival of learning and religious reform.

Autpert spent much of his life at the monastery of San Vincenzo al Volturno in Benevento, a Lombard Duchy in southern Italy, where he eventually became abbot. His theological writings reflect both the ascetic ideals of monasticism and the broader intellectual currents of his time. Among his extant works are Oratio contra septem vitia (a prayer against the seven vices), Sermo de cupiditate (a sermon on greed), Sermo in purificatione sanctae Mariae (a sermon on the purification of Mary), Homilia de transfiguratione Domini (a homily on the Transfiguration of the Lord), and Sermo de adsumptione sanctae Mariae (a sermon on the Assumption of Mary). These works are significant for their moral teachings and their integration of scriptural exegesis with practical Christian living. Autpert’s reflections on the vices, particularly his critique of greed, resonate with the monastic ideal of renouncing worldly wealth and power.

One of Ambrose Autpert’s most notable contributions to theology is his Expositio in Apocalypsin, a commentary on the Book of Revelation. Autpert’s interpretation was significant for its blending of traditional patristic sources with his own insights, presenting the Apocalypse as not only a prophetic vision but also a guide for Christian moral and spiritual life. His Expositio emphasizes themes such as the struggle between good and evil, the necessity of repentance, and the ultimate triumph of Christ. It is one of the earliest known commentaries on the Book of Revelation in the Latin West, and its allegorical and eschatological interpretations influenced later medieval theologians.

Autpert’s theological contributions helped shape the spiritual and intellectual life of Carolingian monasticism. He died in 784, leaving behind a legacy of profound influence, particularly in the fields of Marian theology and biblical commentary. Although his works did not gain widespread recognition immediately, they were later appreciated for their depth and their role in shaping the spiritual discourse of the Middle Ages. His writings continue to be of interest to scholars studying early medieval theology and monasticism.

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Extant Writings:

  • Expositio in Apocalypsin
  • Oratio contra septem vitia
  • Sermo de cupiditate
  • Sermo in purificatione sanctae Mariae
  • Homilia de transfiguratione Domini
  • Sermo de adsumptione sanctae Mariae.

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Quotes and Excerpts:

On Mother Mary:

“For is she not the Mother of the elect, since she gave birth to their Brother? I mean to say, if Christ is the Brother of believers, why is not she, who gave birth to Christ, the Mother of believers?” –In Purificatione sanctae Mariae I; PL 89, 1291-92; CCM 27/B, 985.

On Mary’s Intercession:

“For she, who is bound by the love of childbearing, is tolerant of her children’s irrever-ence. No matter how unworthy they are of your faithful prayers, nevertheless help them, whom you bore in bearing your only Son. Pray to your only Son for the many who go astray.” –In Purificatione sanctae Mariae I; PL 89, 1291-92; CCM 27/B, 985.

On The Feast of Mary’s Assumption into Heaven:

“Dearly beloved brethren, a day most worthy of honor has arrived, surpassing the feast days of all the saints. Today, I say, is a glorious day, a day of fame, a day in which the Virgin Mary is believed to have passed from this world. And so all the earth, made splendid by the passing of so great a Virgin, sings praises with the greatest exultation.” –De Assumptione sanctae Mariae I; PL 39, 2130; CM 27/B, 1027.

“According to the teaching of the Apostle, we believe that Mary was assumed higher than the angels, “whether in the body or out of the body” (cf. 2 Cor 12:2), we do not know.” –De Assumptione sanctae Mariae I; PL 39, 2130; CM 27/B, 1027.

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