Say a word and my soul shall live

"Say a Word and My Soul Shall Live" is a deeply reverent Communion piece that draws directly from the Centurion’s prayer in the Gospel—the very words the congregation prays just moments before approaching the altar. Ifeanyidukwu Eze’s setting captures the profound humility and quiet faith of that moment, turning the spoken liturgy into a gentle, pleading melody.

The verses reflect a deep yearning for the Eucharist, acknowledging Christ as the "Divine bread of life" broken for the world. As the choir moves through the verses, asking for healing and spiritual nourishment, the repeated refrain anchors the faithful in that central act of surrender: trusting that just one word from the Lord is enough to heal and sustain us. It is a contemplative choice for the Communion procession, allowing the church to internalize the mystery they are about to receive.