Missa Ifunanya - Ekwere m n'Otu Chineke

When we sing the Creed, we are doing more than just reciting our faith; we are declaring it together as one body. "Ekwere m n'Otu Chineke" from Dr. Jude Nnam's *Missa Ifunanya* (Mass of Love) captures this communal declaration beautifully. Written in Igbo, the setting moves with a steady, rhythmic confidence that carries the congregation through the foundational truths of the Church.

One of the most striking moments in this arrangement happens right in the middle. As the text reaches the mystery of the Incarnation and the sorrow of the Crucifixion, the accompaniment drops away. The choir shifts into a hushed, *a cappella* section ("O wera ahu na Vejin Maria..."), forcing everyone in the pews to lean in and listen. It is a moment of profound reverence before the music bursts back to its original, joyful tempo to announce the Resurrection ("Ma O bilitere n'ubochi nke ato").

As noted on the final page of the score, this piece was originally composed for the massive Papal Choir of a Thousand Voices during Pope John Paul II's 1998 visit to Abuja, and has since been updated to reflect the new Igbo Mass translation. It remains a staple for Catholic choirs across the country—a powerful, dynamic setting of the Credo that keeps the congregation engaged from the opening notes to the final, resounding "Amen."