Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, was instrumental in Saint Augustine’s conversion to Christianity.  Ambrose was also a close friend and spiritual advisor to Augustine’s mother, Saint Monica.  During her time in Milan, Monica was puzzled about some of the differences in Christian practice in Italy compared to her home in North Africa.  North African Christians fasted on Saturdays; Italian Christians did not.  North African Christians had picnics at the graves of departed loved ones; the Italians frowned on this practice.  Monica asked Ambrose which traditions should be followed.  His response: “If you are at Rome, live in the Roman style.  If you are elsewhere, live as they live there.”  This is the origin of the common saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”