We encourage you to consider attending our Tenebrae Service and experience this deeply moving, and prayerful part of Holy Week. Latin for “darkness,” Tenebrae is an ancient Holy Week service designed to serve as a powerful, reflective experience ahead of the Easter Triduum and help the faithful enter into Holy Week with a greater degree of contemplation.

WHAT TO EXPECT.

Scripture readings and hymns are sung by the light of candles only, as we accompany Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane in His last hours. As each psalm is completed, a candle is extinguished, until only one candle, representing Christ, remains. The “Christus Factus est” chant is sung at the end, while the candle representing Christ is hidden, leaving the congregation in total darkness. This gradual darkness symbolizes Jesus’ increasing sorrow as we approach the events of His Passion and death, and serves to call the faithful to embrace the light of Christ, who has conquered death. Traditionally, a loud noise/commotion is made, representing the convulsion of nature following the death of Christ. The “Christ candle” is returned to view again, and all depart in silence and darkness.