Ubi Caritas

Jude Nnam’s "Ubi Caritas" is a moving English setting composed specifically for the Holy Thursday liturgy, focusing entirely on the Mandatum—the ritual washing of the feet. Though it shares its title with the ancient Latin chant of charity, the sung text here is a direct, vernacular retelling of the Gospel narrative from the Last Supper.

The verses walk the choir and congregation through Christ’s humble act of service, from pouring water into the basin to His poignant dialogue with Simon Peter. The refrain captures Peter's initial hesitation and Christ's gentle but firm response, before the later verses open up into the broader commandment to "love one another as I have loved you."

Choirs typically sing this piece during the Mass of the Lord's Supper as the priest washes the feet of the congregants. The gentle, flowing solfa melody invites the church into the intimacy of the Upper Room, reminding everyone present that true discipleship is rooted in humble service and enduring love.