From  http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/sainta07.htm
See the last paragraph in particular.  He lived in a fairly barbaric era,
and his association with
bees is incidental.  There are a few other sites that come up if you do a
search.

Saint Ambrose of Milan - Also known as The Honey Tongued Doctor; Ambrogio
Memorial 7 December
Profile:
Roman nobility. Brother of Saint Marcellina and Saint Satyrus. Educated in
the classics, Greek, and philosophy @ Rome. Poet and noted orator. Convert.
Governor of Milan.
When the bishop of Milan died, a dispute over his replacement was leading to
violence. Ambrose intervened to calm to sides; he impressed everyone
involved so much that, at age 34 and while still a catechuman, he was
appointed to the see. He resisted, claiming that he was not worthy, and
after it was prophesied by a small child who heard him speak, and to prevent
any uprising over the problem, he assented, ordained on 7 December 374. He
immediately gave away his wealth to the Church and the poor for good it did,
and as an example.

Preacher, teacher, bible student of renown, and writer of liturgical hymns.
Stood firm against pagans and Arians. His preaching converted Saint
Augustine of Hippo, whom Ambrose baptized and brought into the Church.
Ambrose's preaching brought Emporer Theodosius to do public penance for his
sins. He called and chaired several theological councils during his time as
bishop, many devoted to fighting heresy. Proclaimed a great Doctor of the
Latin Church by Pope Boniface VIII in 1298.

The title "Honey Tongued Doctor," initially bestowed because of his speaking
and preaching ability, led to the use of a beehive and bees in his
iconography, symbols which also indicate wisdom. This led to his association
with bees, beekeepers, chandlers, wax refiners, etc.