OLISA

"Olisa" is a vibrant, rhythmic song of thanksgiving that calls the whole congregation to rise and praise God for His wondrous deeds. Composed by Jude Nnam, the piece is built around deep Igbo proverbs and titles for God, praising Him as the one who fights our battles without weapons ("Ọgba aka eje ọgụ") and the ultimate protector ("Ochendo"). When the choir sings this during the Offertory or Thanksgiving procession, it brings a natural, joyful energy to the Mass, encouraging everyone to bring their gratitude to the altar.

The verses are rich with traditional imagery, reminding us of our absolute dependence on God. The lyrics beautifully note that just as a fish cannot deny the water it lives in, we cannot deny God's grace in our lives. The song speaks of God's mercy—how He looks past our faults because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross—and assures us that walking with Him brings blessings, just as a child walking with an elder will surely share in the kola nut. It is a wonderful example of cultural expression in Catholic worship, blending profound faith with the joyful, dancing spirit of a Nigerian thanksgiving.