When in Rome...

Today is the feast of St. Ambrose of Milan, a fourth century bishop and contemporary of St. Augustine and St. Basil the Great. He also baptized St. Augustine. To celebrate the feast, here's an anecdote about the saint:

Once a parishioner of St. Ambrose approached him and asked his prayers because he was going to visit Rome and stay there for a while. The parishioner also wanted advice. In Rome, the Christians fasted on Saturdays, but in Milan they did not. "What should I do?" he asked the saint. Ambrose replied, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Such was the wisdom of this advice that it has since become a popular saying.

If you are ever in Milan, be sure to venerate his relics. You'll have to be creative in your veneration, since they're suspended above the altar in the Milan cathedral.

Also, check out Milanese or Ambrosian chant. It's a bit different from Gregorian chant. You can purchase CDs at "liturgica.com" (see link on right).