(Off) Chineke Onyenwem - Ali Okoro

"Chineke Onyenwem" is a joyful Igbo offertory hymn structured as a litany of gratitude. During the presentation of gifts, this piece brings a lively, rhythmic energy to the Mass, inviting the whole church into a spirit of joyful giving. The cantor lists the everyday blessings of human life—health (ahụike), family (nne, nna, ụmụ), the elements of nature (mmiri, anyanwụ), and the ability to work (ọrụ)—while the choir responds with the simple, profound acknowledgment, "Gị nyere m ya" (You gave it to me).

This natural call-and-response format makes it easy for the congregation to join in the thanksgiving, culminating in the repeated, harmonised praise "Daalụ O Nna" (Thank you, Father). Singing this in the choir loft reminds everyone in the pews that everything we bring to the altar, from our wealth to our very lives, was first given to us by God. It is a perfect piece for festive Sundays and harvest thanksgivings.