“What Wondrous Love Is This” (often just referred to as “Wondrous Love”) is a Christian folk hymn, performed here by Madeleine Puschautz. Its text was first published in 1811, during the Second Great Awakening, and its melody derived from a popular English ballad. Today it is a widely known hymn included in hymnals of many Christian denominations.

“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.

“Ocean” is the lead single off Fr. Pontifex’s body of work The Invincibles. “Safer in your waters than these shores is what you promise,” one of the lines from the piece encapsulates the intended takeaway by the listener. God may call us to the deep waters, to the unknown, and to a place that is not comfortable, but with that he promises his presence and grace. He walks with us and directs our steps.