Holy Is The Lord

When we reach the end of the Preface during Mass, the liturgy calls us to join the unending hymn of the angels. Johnpaul Chukwujekwu Okwor’s "Holy Is The Lord" provides a steady, reverent setting for this profound moment. Written entirely in English, the piece carries the congregation smoothly into the Eucharistic Prayer with its clear, deliberate phrasing and solemn progression.

The arrangement builds a genuine sense of majesty, moving from the hushed, awe-filled opening declarations of God's holiness into the joyful, repeated "Hosanna in the highest." For a parish choir, this solfa setting is highly accessible, allowing the different voice parts to blend naturally without losing the clarity of the sacred text.

Because the melody is so intuitive, it does not take long for the congregation to catch on and join the singing. It is a wonderful, grounding choice for ordinary Sundays, helping the faithful to focus their hearts and minds on the mystery unfolding at the altar.