FEAST OF ST. AUGUSTINE RESPONSORIAL PSALM

When preparing for the Feast of St. Augustine, finding a Responsorial Psalm that captures the right spirit of gratitude is always a joy. Ezigwe Chidi’s setting of "In your goodness O God you provide for the poor" does exactly that. The refrain is simple and grounded, making it easy for the congregation to catch the melody and join in after just one hearing.

The arrangement is laid out with a standard four-part chorus, giving the choir a solid, unified sound on the response. For the verses, the score assigns alternating lines to male and female soloists. This back-and-forth approach keeps the psalm dynamic and gives different cantors a chance to lead the assembly through the Liturgy of the Word.

The text itself is deeply comforting, speaking of God as the father of orphans and the defender of widows. As the cantors sing about God pouring down a generous rain and restoring the inheritance of His people, it brings a real sense of hope to the church. It is a highly effective piece for the choir loft, serving the liturgy with clarity and reverence.