BY JOSEPH ODOEKWU
The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has commended the exceptional performance of the St. Helen’s Choir of St. Helen’s Catholic Church, Irete, in Owerri West LGA, describing them as one of the best choirs in the entire Archdiocese.
Archbishop Ugorji made the remark during his historic Pastoral Visit to St. Helen’s Catholic Church on Sunday, August 24, 2025, where 216 candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Overwhelmed by the quality of the choir’s renditions, he expressed deep admiration while addressing the parish community.
“I was welcomed with very lovely voices, and the quality of singing here makes me feel like staying all day,” Archbishop Ugorji remarked. “This choir is one of the best in Owerri Archdiocese. What I cannot tell now is whether these choristers are hired mercenaries or members of this parish,” he added humorously.
In addition to leading the congregation in powerful songs, seven members of the choir were among those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. This added a special spiritual significance to the day, as the choristers not only lifted hearts through music but also deepened their faith commitment during the solemn celebration.
Clearly impressed by the technical brilliance of the choir, the Archbishop praised their harmonious blending of voices with instruments, as well as their skillful use of multiple conductors to deliver the liturgical songs.
“You have not just sung well during this Mass,” a delighted Ugorji continued, “but you also engaged all the talented conductors at various points, making this Mass truly memorable for me. I feel like coming here again next Sunday—not for another Pastoral Visit, but simply to listen once more to these angelic voices.”
The 9 a.m. Mass, presided over by Archbishop Ugorji, featured a combined team of conductors including Nneji Emmanuel Onyebuchi, Agwu Kelvin, Ekwommadu Emmanuella Munachimso, Adebowale Anne, and Ekwommadu Chibuike.
The choir invoked the presence of the Holy Spirit on the 216 candidates with soul-stirring renditions such as Spirit of God in the Clear Running Waters (arr. Valentine Patrick), alongside other Holy Spirit-inspired hymns. They also performed Abum Achicha Di Ndu by Sir Jude Nnam, Kristy Dinwenu Ukochukwu Ebebe by Rev. Fr. Cyril Ezenduka, among several others. The high point of the day was the majestic rendition of George Frideric Handel’s timeless Hallelujah Chorus, which accompanied the Archbishop’s procession and left the congregation in awe.
