Tenebrae

Tenebrae is Latin for darkness, or shadows, and so this is the name for the service of Matins and Lauds held during Holy Week in the evening.

The gradual extinguishing of candles symbolizes the increasing darkness and sorrow of Jesus' Passion, culminating in the darkness of his death and burial.

A "hearse"  with unbleached candles is used, with the candles being extinguished one by one during the Office.

After the last candle is extinguished, a loud noise is made by banging books on the choir stalls to represent the closing of Christ's tomb, and the chaos of the world without Him.

At the end of the service, a hidden candle, symbolizing Christ's resurrection, is lit and placed on the top of the hearse.

Br Paul has been rehearsing the Chant Group for the Gregorian parts of Tenebrae. The choir Caelestis will sing the beautiful polyphonic responses.

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