TENEBRAE

The Catholic Tenebrae service is a traditional Christian liturgical service that takes place during Holy Week. The word "Tenebrae" comes from the Latin word for "darkness" or "shadows," reflecting the somber and reflective nature of the service.

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Key aspects of a Tenebrae service:

1. Theme of Darkness and Mourning: The service reflects on the passion, suffering, and death of Jesus Christ. It marks a period of spiritual darkness leading up to Easter and focuses on the betrayal, abandonment, and crucifixion of Christ.

2. Use of Candles: A hallmark of Tenebrae is the gradual extinguishing of candles during the service. Typically, there are 15 candles (representing the 15 psalms or sections of the service). As the readings and psalms unfold, one candle is extinguished at a time, symbolizing the growing darkness of Christ's betrayal and death.

3. Scripture Readings and Psalms: The service includes readings from Scripture, especially from the Passion narratives in the Gospels, along with the chanting of psalms. These readings highlight the suffering of Christ and the abandonment by His disciples.

4. The "Strepitus" (Loud Noise): At the end of the service, a loud noise called the "strepitus" is made, often by banging a book or slamming a door. This symbolizes the earthquake that occurred at the moment of Christ's death and the closing of the tomb, indicating the sense of desolation.

5. Atmosphere of Reflection and Contemplation: The tone of the service is one of sorrow, lamentation, and reflection on the significance of Christ's sacrifice. It prepares the faithful for the solemnity of Good Friday and the joy of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

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