In Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Atrium) we teach children that Jesus is the light of the world. We invite you and your families to this special service that invokes the core of our faith in a hands-on way that your child can easily understand. 

What is Tenebrae service in the Catholic church? 

With a dimly-lit church, a rarely-seen candle holder, somber tones, Tenebrae is a unique and special liturgy in the calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. 

Most parishioners who live near a church with a community of religious have the opportunity to join them for some or all of the Divine Office on any given day. During the three days leading up to Easter, also known as the Sacred Triduum, Tenebrae is said in the evening prior, in anticipation of the day to come. The completion of the service would be in total darkness. 

Tenebrae candle hearse, showing successive extinguishing. [Photo Credit: viewfrombackpew.blogspot.com] 

This tradition is fascinating. In older times, the church would of course, be in near-darkness, since the prayer didn’t begin until about 9 or 10 in the evening. Ours is at sunset at the Marshall Site Church. 

The only light traditionally came from the Tenebrae hearse, or large candle holder. This was placed in the choir, with fifteen lit candles. Some locations use beige candles for all except the top candle, which symbolizes Our Lord Jesus Christ. After each of the Psalms & prayers the bottom-most candle is extinguished, alternating sides. Not only does this prayer slowly bring the church closer to complete darkness, and the time when the death of Our Lord is commemorated, but it provides a stark visual that Our Lord is slowly but surely left alone in the darkness of the world, fraught with sin. 

At the end of the final reading, the final candle is removed signifying the burial of Our Lord in the tomb. A noise is made, symbolizing the earthquake at the Crucifixion. In some locations, the celebrant simply slams his book shut, and in others the clerics and congregation knock on their pews for a time. The Office comes to an abrupt end, without the usual blessing. The clergy and the faithful leave the Church in silence. 

While the majority of the ceremonies of the Catholic Church are joyous and celebratory, Tenebrae stands in stark contrast. Even the ceremonies of Holy Thursday and Good Friday contain some consolation. On Holy Thursday, the altar of repose is decorated, and we can keep company with Our Lord. On Good Friday, the crucifixes are finally unveiled, and we can kiss the feet of Our Lord, and receive Him in the Eucharist. But Tenebrae is sorrowful, from beginning to end, complete with darkness, earthquake, and Our Lord symbolically hidden from our view. 

Truly a contrast, and an important reminder of this most sacred of weeks.