AJEN ERONG ABASI

"Ajen Erong Abasi" is a reverent setting of the Agnus Dei composed in the Annang language of Akwa Ibom State. Sung during the breaking of the bread, this piece carries the deep, universal plea of the Mass: asking the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world to have mercy on us, and finally, to grant us peace.

Valentine Patrick's arrangement captures the solemnity of this moment in the liturgy. The choir moves together through the repeated invocations, building a sense of communal prayer. When the voices shift in the final line to sing "No fide emem" (grant us peace), it brings a gentle, settling calm to the church just before the congregation comes forward for Communion. It is a wonderful choice for choirs looking to bring indigenous Nigerian languages into the heart of the Eucharistic celebration.