Emmanuel Nigel: "Visit and Pilgrimage 2026: Awesome as the Diocesan Choir Members - South Sudan Sang the Sanctus Chant in Acoli During the Holy Mass at Christ the King Parish Kitgum."

By Emmanuel Nigel

Piemonte House

Date: Sunday, February 1st, 2026

We celebrated the 4th Sunday of the Year in the Liturgical Year A together with our Brothers and Sisters from the Catholic Diocese of Torit - South Sudan who arrived at the Parish on Thursday, January 29th, 2026 and they will return to Torit Diocese - South Sudan tomorrow, Monday, February 2nd, 2026. The Visit and Pilgrimage bear the Theme: “Celebrating Christ Our Real Life: Becoming Agents and Restorers of Broken Humanity!” (Col. 2:5). "Visit and Pilgrimage 2026: Awesome as the Diocesan Choir Members - South Sudan Sang the Sanctus Chant in Acoli During the Holy Mass at Christ the King Parish Kitgum." It was a Lovely Liturgy as the Diocesan Choir Members of the Catholic Diocese of Torit - South Sudan animated the Liturgy.

The Sanctus Chant is one of the most Sacred and Powerful moments in the Celebration of the Holy Mass in the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. As the Pope, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and Priests conclude the Preface, the entire Congregation joins the Holy Angels of the Lord God, Saints, and Blessed Martyrs in Heaven to proclaim:

"Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts.

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the Highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the Highest."

But today, Sunday, February 1st, 2026 at Christ the King Parish Kitgum during the Celebration of the Holy Mass for the Visit and Pilgrimage for the Delegation from Torit Diocese - South Sudan, which was presided over by His Grace Raphael P'Mony Wokorach, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gulu, I was quite awesome. I was so delighted to hear the Diocesan Choir Members of the Catholic Diocese of Torit chanted the Sanctus Chant in Acoli:

In ileng, In ileng, In ileng in Rubanga malatwe X2

Lwak duc ma ipolo, uwor Rubanga Rok duc ma ilobo,

Ukor Rubanga wupak wunu Rwot,

Rubanga wawero wer ki nyinge.

Ref: Hossana, Hossana, Hossana

Hosaana bedi polo X2

Gipwo en dong ma obebino i Nying Rubanga ka laro wan duc,

Wupak wunu Rwot,

Rubanga wawero wer ki nyinge.

Ref: Hossana, Hossana, Hossana

Hosaana bedi polo X2

The Diocesan Choir Members might have tried to learn it for a long time, and they sang it very well. This Hymn is not just a Song; it's a Heavenly acclamation. It echoes the vision of Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 6:3) and the praise described in the Book of Revelation. When we sing the Sanctus Chant, we unite our earthly worship with the Eternal Liturgy of Heaven. This is our belief and this is our faith.

The Sanctus Chant prepares our Hearts for the most Solemn Part of the Holy Mass: the Eucharistic Prayer and the Consecration of Bread into the Body of Christ and Wine into the Blood of Christ. It's a moment of Awe, Reverence, and Joyful Praise. I ponder that the repetition of “Holy” emphasizes the Lord God’s infinite Majesty and Purity. The words “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord” welcome Christ, who is about to become truly present on the Altar as the Body and Blood of Christ are ready to be given to those Christians who are worthy to partake of Christ, our Lord and Savior.

When sung as a Chant, the Sanctus lifts the Soul. To me, its melody is very completely Prayerful and Contemplative, drawing the Faithful into deeper silence and adoration. It's not meant to be rushed but sung with devotion, allowing the Sacred words to penetrate the Heart. Singing the Sanctus reminds us that the Holy Mass is not an ordinary gathering - it's a Divine encounter. Heaven touches Earth. The Holy Angels adore the Lord God with us. Christ, the Lamb of God, comes among His people. When we sing the Sanctus, we do so with Faith, Humility, and Gratitude - knowing that we are standing on Holy Ground Adoring God, our Creator, and adoring Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.