EZE NWANYI GUZOKWA NA-AKA NRI GI. (Psalm for Assumption)

When the Solemnity of the Assumption comes around in August, choirs need a responsorial psalm that captures the majesty of Mary's crowning in heaven. Cassidy C. Ezeogu's setting of "Eze Nwanyi Guzokwa Na-aka Nri Gi" delivers exactly that. It draws its text from Psalm 45, painting a vivid picture of a queen arrayed in pure gold, taking her rightful place at the right hand of the king.

The piece is written in solfa notation and opens with a stately, triumphant refrain that the congregation can easily pick up. In the verses, the choir takes over to tell the rest of the psalmist's story—calling the "daughter" to forget her father's house and enter the king's palace with joy and gladness. It is a regal, uplifting arrangement that elevates the Liturgy of the Word on one of the biggest Marian feast days of the year, bringing a true sense of celebration to the Mass.