“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.
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Ave Maria
“Ave Maria” was originally set to music in 1826 by Franz Schubert. Written in Latin, this prayer is offered to “Hail, Mary, full of grace.” Recorded live at Mundelein Seminary, two seminarians offer Schubert’s “Ave Maria” as a holy prayer to the Virgin Mary.
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Amazing Grace
“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.
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God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Recorded live at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan, a group of incredibly talented seminarians performed their rendition of the traditional classical English Christmas carol, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”. Gather your friends & family, hot chocolate, and sing along!
