Tenebrae Service

Tenebrae is the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows,” and has for centuries been applied to the ancient monastic night of the last three days of Holy Week. This service is marked by readings from the book of Lamentations and the gradual extinguishing of candles after the recitation of psalms or Canticles until the single Pascal candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains. Towards the end of the service, this candle is removed, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil with the death of Jesus.  A loud noise is made symbolizing the chaos of the world without the light of Christ. The Pascal candle is restored.  At the end all depart in silence.