SANCTUS

When the Preface concludes and the congregation kneels, the choir leads the faithful into the "Sanctus," one of the most ancient and profound moments of the Mass. This handwritten solfa arrangement by Okeke Charles captures the reverence of that exact moment. It opens with a steady, majestic declaration of "Sanctus, Sanctus," acknowledging the holiness of God, before flowing into the "Pleni sunt caeli" as the voices recognize His glory filling heaven and earth.

What makes this particular setting stand out is its treatment of the "Hosanna." Rather than having the entire choir burst in all at once, the composer introduces a solo voice to lift the first "Hosanna in excelsis." It feels like a single voice of praise rising from the congregation, which is then answered by the full choir and descant in a rich, joyful echo. This call-and-response dynamic brings a wonderful energy to the sanctuary.

Written for the St. Cecilia Angelic Voice Choir at UNIZIK, the score carries the authentic, lived-in feel of Nigerian university chaplaincy choirs. The gentle "Benedictus" section rounds out the piece, preparing the hearts of the faithful for the Consecration. It is an accessible setting that invites both the singers and the congregation into deep prayer.