Tenebrae Prayer Service this Good Friday Evening
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March 10, 2024TENEBRAE SERVICE THIS GOOD FRIDAY
Tenebrae (Latin for “shadows” or “darkness”) is a Holy Week service that is at least 1,000 years old. Originally held after midnight but later held at a variety of times, Tenebrae would be sung each day of the Triduum in a church lit only by 15 candles. These were extinguished one by one until the church was left in complete darkness. At that point, a loud noise (“strepitus”) would be produced – sometimes by slamming a hymnal or other book shut, sometimes by stomping on the floor – symbolizing the earthquake after Christ’s death.
Our parish will host this Tenebrae Prayer Service on Good Friday Evening at 8pm at St. Alphonsus. Please note that this Prayer Service does not replace attending the Solemn Good Friday Service earlier in the day.
The church will be completely dark except for candles lit near the front. There will be readings from the Scripture read, and after each reading one candle is extinguished until the church is in total darkness. There will be music and chanting interspersed.
The Tenebrae Service is a powerful time to come together in prayer on the night when Jesus gave his life for us. Consider adding this to your Good Friday evening to make the day more solemn, and to reflect on the death of Jesus.
