Holy - Mass of St Jude

Jude Nnam’s "Mass of St Jude" gives us this bright, rhythmic setting of the Sanctus. When the choir reaches the peak of the Eucharistic Prayer, this arrangement lifts the entire mood of the congregation with its energetic "Hosanna" refrain. It is a familiar favorite in many Nigerian Catholic parishes, bringing a lively, distinctly African pulse to the traditional English text of the Mass. We often use it on festive Sundays to really wake up the church and draw everyone into the celebration.

The opening section relies on a steady, reverent call-and-response dynamic. The sopranos lead with a soaring "Holy," while the lower voices echo back, gradually building the harmony until everyone joins for "Lord God of Hosts." From there, the piece breaks into the joyful, syncopated "Ho sa, Ho sa nna" chorus that gives the song its signature bounce. It is a fantastic choice for the choir loft, keeping the singers on their toes and helping the assembly sing out with real joy as we welcome Him who comes in the name of the Lord.