« ALES DIEI NUNTIUS ». - Hymn from the Roman Breviary for the ferial Lauds on Tuesday. It consists of stanzas 1, 2, 21, and 25 of a long hymn by Prudentius (late 4th century), the first in his book *Cathermerion*, entitled *ad gallicinium*. The poet evokes with greater artistry, but less warmth of feeling, the concept of St. Ambrose in the hymn *Aeterna rerum conditor* (q.v.). The cock, whose morning crow awakens slumbering men to the day’s work, is a symbol of Jesus, the mighty « awakener » of souls, who calls all to abandon the flattering softness of sleep, which enervates, and to await His near coming in watchfulness, purity, and sobriety (stanzas 1–2). This dynamic and virile concept gives rise in the soul to a fervent invocation to Jesus that He may grant His faithful the strength to free themselves from the night of sin and that living light of grace which is necessary to respond to His intimate calls (stanzas 3–4).
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