Ekwela ka ihe obula St. Theresa of Avilla

When the world paused in fear during the early days of the 2020 pandemic, Dr. Ngozi Louis Ekezie turned to one of the most comforting texts in the Church's tradition: the famous bookmark prayer of St. Teresa of Avila. "Ekwela ka ihe obula St. Theresa of Avilla" translates her gentle words of absolute trust into Igbo, reminding the choir and congregation that "Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you... God alone suffices" (sọsọ Chukwu ezuola).

What makes this arrangement so moving is how it anchors a classic prayer in a very specific moment of need. After the choir sings the familiar assurances that all things pass and God never changes, the piece shifts into a direct, urgent plea: "Lawa lawa, Corona virus lawa" (Go away, Corona virus). It is a bold declaration that the children of God remain under His protection, no matter what is happening outside the church doors.

The verses continue this pastoral encouragement, acknowledging the confusion and fear in the world ("Ụwa nọ na nsogbu") before delivering God's simple instruction to be calm ("dere juu"). For a choir singing this as a prayer of faith, it offers a profound sense of peace. It teaches us to lean entirely on God, our owner and protector, who tells us not to be afraid.