“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.

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.