LAETATUS SUM

"Laetatus Sum" is a joyful Latin setting of Psalm 122, opening with the famous words, "I rejoiced when they said to me, let us go to the house of the Lord." In the choir loft, this piece is a quintessential entrance hymn. It sets an immediate tone of gladness and pilgrimage, perfectly capturing the spirit of a congregation gathering for Mass.

Rev. Fr. Okwy Tony Umeh's arrangement gives the ancient text a bright, rhythmic energy. The choir unites on the lively refrain before breaking into the stacked verses, which pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the unity of the brethren ("Propter fratres meos..."). It is a wonderful choice for feast days or any Sunday procession, allowing the choir to lead the people into worship with a sense of traditional reverence and uplifting joy.