Tenebrae

Tenebrae returns to STM this year the Monday of Holy Week, April 15 ^th.   Never been  to Tenebrae?  Join The Celebration Singers for a moving service of darkness and light based on an ancient celebration dating back to the 4 ^th century.  The service commemorates the suffering and death of Christ. The name Tenebrae derives from the Latin word meaning darkness.  Candles used in ancient celebrations were gradually extinguished leaving the church in “Tenebrae” representing the darkness that fell over the earth as the Son of God was crucified. 
 
This year St. Luke’s Passion will be broken into seven sections or “Shadows”: Betrayal, Denial, Unshared Vigil, Accusation, Crucifixion, Death and the Tomb.  Candles and special lighting will be used to create true shadows within the church. Each reading will be followed by a sung response and gradually the candles and church lights are extinguished until finally the church is in Tenebrae (darkness).   A slamming door represents the stone rolling in front of the tomb.  After a period of time, one candle is rekindled symbolizing the power of the cross, victory  over death,  eternal life…Christ ever-present in our lives.
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Join the Celebration Singers Monday April 15th at  7 PM in the church sanctuary for an inspiring, powerful and prayerful liturgy in the shadow of the cross….Tenebrae.  It will be a great reprieve after preparing those taxes, a prayerful way to begin Holy Week and a wonderful opportunity to bring a friend and evangelize our faith.  We hope to see you there!