“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.
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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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Empty Pews
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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Be Thou My Vision
“Be Thou My Vision” began as an Irish poem, dating back as early as the 8th century. The text was translated by Mary Byrne, a Dublin native and Irish scholar. The hymn as we know it today was published in 1912 by Eleanor Hull. The melody of “Be Thou My Vision” is a traditional, Irish folk tune called “Slane”. Enjoy the lovely voice of Hannah Martin in a rendition of this classic hymn.
