WAN YONGU AONDO (Agnus Dei in Tiv)

When the priest breaks the bread during Mass, the choir leads the congregation in the Agnus Dei, a profound plea for mercy and peace. "Wan Yongu Aondo" is a gentle, reverent setting of this prayer in the Tiv language, composed by Rev. Fr. Joshua Achir. It captures the quiet solemnity of the fraction rite, drawing the faithful into a moment of deep spiritual focus just before they approach the altar for Communion.

The melody follows the natural, spoken cadence of the Tiv words, moving from the earnest, repeated petition of "Zungwe se mhoonum" (Have mercy on us) to the final, calming resolution of "Na se bem wow" (Grant us peace). Singing this piece requires a warm, blended tone from the choir, allowing the simple harmonies to support the weight of the text rather than overpowering it. It is a wonderful choice for worship leaders looking to bring indigenous reverence into the liturgy, grounding the universal prayer of the Church in the vocal tradition of the Tiv people.