Tenebræ
Since 2015, our parish of Holy Rosary has celebrated a Tenebræ service on Wednesday of Holy Week. This year, we are unable to do so, but below I’ll provide information on how you can join our former pastor, Father Wichert, in celebrating.
What is Tenebræ?
The word itself is Latin for “shadows”. It is a Holy Week service tied to the prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours, being a concatenation of Matins and Lauds, anticipated the night before.
In addition to the psalms, traditionally chanted, we hear readings from the Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah, from Saint Augustine, and from the Letter to the Hebrews.
It is a very somber service, designed to place you at the time of Christ’s Passion.
As we chant the psalms, one by one the candles and lights in the church are extinguished, until we are nearly in darkness.
And then, in darkness we whisper the Lord’s Prayer and hear the beautiful anthem Christus Factus Est.
A great noise is heard – the strepitus – representing the closing of the Lord’s tomb.
A single candle representing the Lord is returned to the altar, and we leave in silence by its light.
It is, as I said, a somber service, but a truly moving one.
Please join Father Wichert at Saint Brendan parish in celebrating Tenebrae online! They will begin live streaming at 8:00pm tonight on their Facebook page. You might consider following along to candlelight in your own home.