MY PEOPLE (POPULE MEUS)

Good Friday brings a profound stillness to the church, and few pieces capture that sorrow quite like Jude Nnam’s setting of the "Popule Meus" (The Reproaches). Sung during the Veneration of the Cross, the text places the words directly into the mouth of Christ. He speaks to us from the wood, asking a heartbreaking question: "My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me."

The verses draw a sharp contrast between God’s tender care and humanity's betrayal. The choir recounts the great saving acts of the Old Testament—leading the Israelites out of Egypt, feeding them with manna, planting a beautiful vine—only to be met with the cross, vinegar, and a lance. Nnam weaves the ancient Trisagion ("Holy God, Holy and strong, Holy Immortal God have mercy on us") into the second verse, grounding the piece in deep liturgical tradition.

For a choir, singing this piece requires immense restraint and emotional connection. It is not about volume or vocal display, but about delivering the raw, pleading grief of the lyrics. When the congregation comes forward to kiss the cross, this gentle, sorrowful melody helps everyone in the pews reflect on the weight of the Passion.