Tenebrae, meaning ‘The Darkness’, originated in the Middle Ages. Originally recited at night in a candle-lit sanctuary, the service accompanied the last days of Holy Week.
It is characterised by a passage of light to darkness through the extinguishing of candlelight – traditionally, of fifteen candles - and by chanting of texts from the book of Lamentations. Through its Scripture and song, Tenebrae offers a prolonged meditation and commemoration of Christ’s suffering: a darker prelude to the light of Easter.
Our service is based around readings from Lamentations and the Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross. The final candle is left burning alone in the darkness – symbolic of the anticipation of the resurrection of Christ.