“Amazing Grace” is a Christian hymn published in 1779, with words written by the English poet and Anglican clergyman John Newton (1725–1807), performed here by talented artist Madeleine Puschautz. Newton wrote the words from personal experience. He grew up without any particular religious conviction, but his life’s path was formed by a variety of twists and coincidences that were often put into motion by his recalcitrant insubordination. He was pressed (conscripted) into service in the Royal Navy, and after leaving the service, he became involved in the Atlantic slave trade. In 1748, a violent storm battered his vessel off the coast of County Donegal, Ireland, so severely that he called out to God for mercy, a moment that marked his spiritual conversion. He continued his slave trading career until 1754 or 1755, when he ended his seafaring altogether and began studying Christian theology.

Amanda Vernon is a recording artist who speaks to authentic beauty through music, the language of the soul. We were fortunate to have her share her talents on an original rendition of the classic hymn “Vive Jesus el Señor”. Translated into English as “Live Jesus, the Lord”, the song was composed by Belgian priest Fr. Lucas Casaert, a well-known missionary who has served in Bolivia for 50 years.

“Crown of Thorns”, composed by Danielle Rose and arranged by J.J. Wright, is performed here by Danielle Rose and the Notre Dame Folk Choir.