Tenebrae: Service of Shadow & Light

The Music Ministry of Mother Teresa invites you to join the Tenebrae: A Service of Shadow and Light, an evening of traditional hymns and psalms of the Lenten season sung by all gathered and ancient motets offered by the choir.

The name Tenebrae (Latin for darkness or shadows) has for centuries been applied to the ancient monastics' night and early morning services (Matins and Lauds) of the last three days of Holy Week. In medieval times these days came to be celebrated on the preceding evenings.

As we meditate on Christ’s journey to the cross in poem, anthem, song, and story, one by one, the candles and other lights in the church are extinguished until only a single candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains.

Toward the end of the service, this candle is hidden, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil. Yet, at the end, a loud noise resounds (symbolizing the earthquake at the time of the Resurrection), the hidden candle is restored to its place, and all depart in silence by its light.

We hope you plan to attend this service. It is a quiet, contemplative, and prayerful entry into Holy Week.

– Cindy FitzGerald
Music Director