EYEN ERONG ABASI

"Eyen Erong Abasi" is a deeply reverent Efik setting of the Agnus Dei, composed by Bon S. A. Inyang. In the Catholic Mass, this prayer accompanies the fraction rite—the solemn moment when the priest breaks the consecrated host just before Communion. The words carry the ancient plea of the Church, calling upon the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

For a choir, singing the Agnus Dei requires a shift in posture and tone. We move away from the grand exultation of the Sanctus into a space of quiet humility and petition. The repetition of "Afo emi emende mmidiok mkpo ederimbot" allows the congregation to center their hearts on the sacrifice of the altar. The harmony in this solfa arrangement supports that reflective mood, keeping the voices grounded and unified.

The piece follows the traditional liturgical structure, asking for mercy ("Etua nyin mbom") in the first two invocations, before resolving into a final, hopeful prayer for peace ("Eno nyin emem"). It is a centering moment in the liturgy, preparing both the singers in the loft and the faithful in the pews to approach the Eucharist with a clear and peaceful conscience.