AÑURIRIM OÑU

When the choir strikes up "Añụrịrị M Ọñụ" at the start of Mass, you can immediately feel the congregation's spirit lift. The title translates to "I rejoiced," drawing directly from the joyful words of Psalm 122. It is a classic Entrance hymn that captures the sheer gladness of being called into the house of God. The piece opens with a gentle, reflective intro for male voices—echoing the deer longing for water from Psalm 42—before bursting into a bright, rhythmic chorus that invites everyone to process into the sanctuary.

Emma Orji’s arrangement gives the choir plenty of room to shine while keeping the message front and center. The verses beautifully weave in imagery from the Psalms, singing of the sparrow finding a home at the altar and how one day in God's courts is better than thousands elsewhere. By the time the song reaches the fourth verse, the cantors take over with an uplifting descant, calling the people forward to a place of life, peace, and answered prayers, while the rest of the choir keeps the joyful chorus rolling. It is the perfect way to gather the faithful and set a tone of celebration for the liturgy.