The Office of Tenebrae

On Wednesday of Holy Week at 7:00pm, we observe the Office of Tenebræ. The name Tenebræ (the Latin word for “shadows”) was originally given to the ancient monastic services of matins (celebrated after midnight) and lauds (celebrated at dawn) of the last three days of Holy Week. By the late Middle Ages, these services were consolidated into a single daily celebration on each evening before Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.

Tenebræ today is celebrated in many different forms. We include the chanting of the Lamentations of Jeremiah, in which each verse is introduced by a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, while candles and other lights in the church are gradually extinguished to signify the darkness that overshadowed the earth at Christ’s crucifixion. The loud noise, or strepitus, at the conclusion of the service suggests the earthquake described in the Passion narratives. The single candle left burning is the symbol and promise of Christ’s triumph over death and darkness.

The Cathedral Cantorei will sing the Lamentations of Jeremiah (Third Book of Lamentations Nos. I and III) by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c.1505–1585), Tenebræ factæ sunt by Francis Poulenc (1899–1963), the sublime Miserere mei, Deus (with its famous high Cs) by Gregorio Allegri (c.1582–1652), and plainchant.

Father Michael G. Ryan is the presider. This liturgy is open to all—no tickets required. A freewill offering will be taken up during the service.

Limited free parking in the O’Dea lot. The Cabrini Garage closes at 8:45pm Monday-Thursday (Pay-to-park.)

More info:
musicoffice@stjames-cathedral.org
or
206-382-4874.