Holy Holy Holy

When it comes time for the Eucharistic Prayer, the choir needs a Sanctus that lifts the entire congregation into the solemnity of the moment. Jude Nnam’s "Holy Holy Holy" from the Mass of St Jude does exactly that. It is a vibrant, rhythmic setting of the traditional Sanctus text, written entirely in English, that brings a distinctively Nigerian choral energy to the altar.

The piece opens with broad, reverent declarations of "Holy," allowing the sopranos to soar while the lower voices provide a steady, grounding response. As the text moves into the "Hosanna," the rhythm shifts into a joyful, syncopated drive. The repeated "Hosa Hosanna" phrases create a layered, overlapping momentum among the voice parts, building a sense of genuine celebration as we sing of heaven and earth being full of God's glory.

For a choir preparing this for Sunday Mass, the key is maintaining that bright, rhythmic precision during the Hosanna sections without losing the majestic feel of the opening. It is a wonderful choice for festive Sundays and major solemnities, offering a setting of the Sanctus that is both deeply reverent and full of life. The familiar English text makes it accessible for the congregation to join in, while the dynamic choral arrangement keeps the choir engaged from the first note to the final "highest!"