Ubi Caritas

Jude Nnam’s "Ubi Caritas" is a staple for Holy Thursday evening. When the choir sings this during the Mass of the Lord's Supper, it accompanies the Mandatum—the moment the priest washes the feet of the parishioners, mirroring Christ's humble act in the Upper Room. The song draws its text directly from the Gospel of John, narrating the dialogue between Jesus and Peter.

The piece is structured to carry the congregation through the entire rite. It begins with the narrative of Christ pouring water into a basin, before moving into a conversational refrain where Peter protests, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" The subsequent verses unfold the rest of Christ's teaching on servant leadership and His new commandment to love one another.

For a choir, this composition offers a steady, reverent flow that keeps the focus on the solemnity of the action at the altar. The overlapping vocal parts in the later verses create a gentle harmony that fills the church with a sense of profound charity. It is a deeply moving piece that captures the quiet, serving heart of Holy Week.