On the mornings of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, we will be offering a special chanted Tenebrae service sung by a small group of men from St. Mary of the Rosary in Chewelah, led by Father Vincent and Michael Osborne.   

   Tenebrae is a Holy Week service that is over 1,000 years old and contains chanted psalms, readings from Scripture and the Early Church Fathers, as well as ancient hymns commemorating Christ’s passion and death on the Cross. 

   The word “Tenebrae” is Latin for “Shadow” or “Darkness” and has traditionally been sung in the early morning as the sun rises. A candelabra with 7 candles is lit and placed in the sanctuary. After each psalm is chanted, a candle is extinguished, symbolizing the darkness that enveloped the world after the crucifixion.

   Finally, a single candle is left burning at the top of the candelabra to symbolize Christ. Once the last reading has been proclaimed, the last candle is taken and hidden behind the altar to symbolize Our Lord’s burial. Then the ancient chant “Christus Factus Est” (Christ was obedient unto death) is sung in total darkness. After the final prayer, a loud noise, the “strepitus” (Latin for “Great Noise”) is made to symbolize the earthquake when Jesus died. The lighted candle is taken out from behind the altar and extinguished, and all depart in silence.

   Attending Tenebrae during the Holy Triduum, the three most holy days of the year, is a great way to prepare for Jesus' resurrection at Easter! Booklets will be provided for you to follow or sing along with Tenebrae, or you can just sit, listen, and pray! Come be a part of the Church’s morning prayer.