Abstract
Ambrose's baptismal catecheses - the De Sacramentis and the De Mysteriis - offer a look on the liturgical context of being man and woman in the thought of this bishop of Milan and of the first Christian centuries on various levels. The chapter aims to consider the use of masculine and feminine language in these catecheses and the theological view of Ambrose on the role of men and women in the divine project.
First, the relation between men and women regarding the vrirtues and their situation before God is considered. Second, the rite of Effatha, and especially the touching the ears during the baptism of women will be put in the context of Ambrose's theological thinking.
Third, the apostrophes addressed to women in the course of the catecheses will be studeied in the view of theological vision of Ambrose on being a woman and its symbolic value.