SANCTUS

When the Preface concludes and the congregation prepares for the Eucharistic Prayer, the choir leads the great acclamation of the Mass. This setting of the *Sanctus* by Okeke Charles brings a wonderful sense of reverence to that moment. Written entirely in Latin, it carries a majestic, steady pacing that helps center the church for the consecration.

The arrangement is built for a standard four-part choir, opening with a solemn, grounded declaration of God's holiness. As the piece moves into the *Hosanna in excelsis*, Charles introduces a solo line that rings out before the full choir answers. There is even a soaring descant marked for the final *Hosanna*, giving the sopranos a chance to lift the harmony and add a bright, triumphant finish.

It is the kind of Mass part that works beautifully for Sunday worship or feast days in Nigerian parishes. The steady *Maestoso* tempo ensures the words remain clear and prayerful, guiding the faithful right up to the *Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini* as they prepare their hearts for the altar.