Manners and “When in Rome”

“When in Rome,” is one of the most ancient anecdotes known to literature. It refers to a witty conversation between St. Augustine and St. Ambrose.–Public domain images of St. Augustine and St. Ambrose

The saying, “When in Rome,” used most often as an admonition to people who seem unable to accommodate themselves to the ways and manners of those they associate with, is one of the most ancient anecdotes known to literature. It refers to a witty conversation between St. Augustine and St. Ambrose. St. Augustine was somewhat puzzled about the regulations concerning abstinence from high feasting, because in some parts of Italy, Saturday was observed as a fast day, and in others Sunday was set aside for abnegation. He consulted St. Ambrose, calling his attention to the fact that in Rome Saturday was a fast day, while in Milan no such restriction prevailed. St. Ambrose answered: “When I am in Milan I do not fast on Saturday. When in Rome I do fast on Saturday.” – Trinity Journal, 1922

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