“For the Beauty of the Earth” is a Christian hymn by Folliott S. Pierpoint (1835-1917), performed in one take by artist Pat D’Angelo. Pierpoint was 29 at the time he wrote this hymn; he was mesmerized by the beauty of the countryside that surrounded him. It first appeared in 1864 in a book of Eucharistic Hymns and Poems entitled Lyra Eucharistica, Hymns and Verses on The Holy Communion, Ancient and Modern, with other Poems.

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.

Friar Gabriel skated for seven years as a teenager, with his focus gravitating towards one of a religious vocation as he matured. His passion for skateboarding waned with his surety to live a life of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience as a Friar of the Immaculate. After securing the title of Friar, with much time passing since he last interacted with a skateboard, he was given obedience to visit a local skate park once a week, with the intent to “preach the gospel at all times,” as Saint Francis once stated. In Salve Regina, Friar Gabriel explains that God utilizes peoples’ talents to give Him glory, and how skateboarding has given a platform to the idea of exercising the body as well as the soul.