Gloria (Missa Spei)

When the choir launches into the "Gloria," the entire mood of the Mass lifts. This setting from Jude Nnam’s *Missa Spei* (Mass of Hope) brings a bright, rhythmic energy to the ancient Latin text. Written purely in solfa notation, it is a staple for many Nigerian Catholic choirs who know exactly how to lean into its joyful, driving refrain: "Gloria in excelsis Deo."

We sing the Gloria to echo the song of the angels at Christmas, but it serves as our great hymn of praise on Sundays and feast days throughout the year. Nnam structures the piece beautifully, alternating the full-throated refrain with the traditional verses—praising, blessing, and adoring God the Father, before turning to Christ the Lamb of God.

Rehearsing this piece is often a joy for the choir loft. The familiar Latin phrases—"Laudamus te," "Benedicimus te," "Adoramus te"—flow naturally over the lively melody. It is the kind of setting that encourages the congregation to lift their hearts, perfectly capturing the celebratory spirit of the liturgy before we sit down for the Liturgy of the Word.