AETERNA IMAGO ALTISSIMI

«AETERNA IMAGO ALTISSIMI». — Hymn from the Roman Breviary at Matins for the feast of Christ the King. Its author is Fr. Vittorio Genovesi, S.J., who, adapting himself to the theological and moral sense of the feast and to the themes of Pius XI’s encyclical *Quas primas*, invites all classes of humanity to render their homage and submission to Christ, King of ages, arbiter of minds and hearts (strophes 1–2). He has won this universal dominion through the Redemption, by which He redeemed men from the slavery of the devil (strophes 3–4); therefore, in gratitude and obedience, the leaders of nations—especially magistrates and teachers—must openly acknowledge Him through their manner of governing, judging, and teaching, just as every person must place his happiness and pride in observing above all the laws of the Lord (strophes 5–6).