“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.

Over a year in the works, our team is proud to present “Invasion of the Light”, a music video featuring Fr. Pontifex. The presence of the Eucharist within the video emphasizes the strong contrast between authentic beauty from Jesus and the desolation of modern culture. The light found in the wasteland shows there is hope, even in the most grim of area or circumstances. “Invasion of the Light” is the first single from Fr. Pontifex’s album, Letters from the Wasteland.

“Jesus, Remember Me” is a Christian hymn written by Jacques Berthier (June 1923 – June 1994), a French composer of liturgical music, best known for writing much of the music used at Taizé. This particular performance features the talents of Hannah Martin.