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A Service of Shadows
This haunting Office of “Tenebrae” (meaning “darkness” in Latin) is a meditation on Christ’s suffering. Participants are enveloped in shadows as candles are gradually extinguished over the course of the service, symbolic of how Christ’s life was snuffed out on our behalf. The re-emergence of one candle at the end of the Office is a reminder of Jesus’ triumph over death, through His resurrection.
As the shadows approach, we will ponder Christ’s Passion as it is retraced through readings and sung Tenebrae Responsories, alternating with Psalms sung to plainsong.
He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter,
And when he was evil entreated
He open’d not his mouth:
He was delivered up to death,
That he might give life to his people.
He hath poured out his soul unto death,
And he was numbered with the transgressors:
That he might give life to his people.
(Isaiah 53:7-12, abridged)
And when he was evil entreated
He open’d not his mouth:
He was delivered up to death,
That he might give life to his people.
He hath poured out his soul unto death,
And he was numbered with the transgressors:
That he might give life to his people.
(Isaiah 53:7-12, abridged)