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.

“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.

The bottom line is that I deeply miss you. I know you so well, I even know your pew. I know where you sit, very clothes and expressions, hearts full of expectation to absorb the lessons. “Empty Pews”, a spoken word piece performed by Fr. Pontifex, inspired by and written for his congregation.