AHURUM MMIRI, VIDI AQUAM

"Ahurum Mmiri, Vidi Aquam" is a vibrant Igbo setting of the traditional Eastertide sprinkling rite. Composed by Emma Umeobieri, it brings the joyful imagery of the Vidi Aquam—the vision of life-giving water flowing from the right side of the temple—into the heart of the Nigerian Catholic liturgy. The refrain dances with the repeated "Alleluia," capturing the triumphant and renewed spirit of the Easter season.

Choirs typically sing this piece during the Asperges (the sprinkling of holy water) on Sundays throughout Eastertide, or during baptismal rites. The verses draw directly from Psalm 118, calling on Israel, the house of Aaron, and all who fear the Lord to give thanks for His enduring love. The call-and-response feel between the cantor's verses and the lively choral refrain makes it an uplifting experience for the congregation, reminding everyone in the pews of their baptismal promises and the salvation won by Christ.